jimainiac
Platinum Member
I tried the Search feature for this and didn't find anything, so here goes: I just replaced a tie rod end on my tractor, '04 Kubota L3830. I found out it was bad when I jacked up the wheels to put chains on. The originals, and the replacement, don't have grease fittings. I guess they call them "sealed". I wonder if it would be a good idea to install grease fittings in them, or at least in the remaining original one to try to extend it's life? If I did install a fitting I wonder if it would be best to put it on the side or the top of the joint? And whether to tap the hole or use a drive-in fitting?
With all of the grease fittings everywhere else on the tractor, I'm kind of surprised that the tie rod ends don't come with fittings.
On a side note, I called two Kubota dealers looking for the tie rod end, and neither dealer had one in stock. In fact, they both said that they don't get many requests for them. That kind of surprised me, considering the abuse they take turning the front wheels with a full load in the bucket. You don't notice it so much with power steering, but they take a lot of stress.
Any thoughts on adding fittings, pro or con?
With all of the grease fittings everywhere else on the tractor, I'm kind of surprised that the tie rod ends don't come with fittings.
On a side note, I called two Kubota dealers looking for the tie rod end, and neither dealer had one in stock. In fact, they both said that they don't get many requests for them. That kind of surprised me, considering the abuse they take turning the front wheels with a full load in the bucket. You don't notice it so much with power steering, but they take a lot of stress.
Any thoughts on adding fittings, pro or con?