straightening a threaded rod

[ducks13]

I recently got a JD 4410 and it has one problem that the part is a little pricy, about $300 so I'd really like to be able to straighten this threaded rod that is part of the 3 pt. lift rod assembly.


I tried heating it with rosebud and then screwing it into the casting but it seem to cool off too quick to effectively bend it. I may just not be getting it hot enough to start with but I am questioning my technique. Any of you have any great methods for straightening something like this? I've also thought about just bending it the best I can by just heating the spot where it is bent and then running a threading die over it but you have to be able to screw the rod almost all the way in in order to get out a roll pin that stops the shaft from coming too far out of the fitting. Anyone know where I could just by the shaft, I believe it is 1/2" and of course needs a L.H thread on one end.

Thanks for any suggestions and observation you may have.

 

[Don87]

If it's tempered steel, you lost the temper with the first heating and cooling cycle.

 

[mrmikey]

A press and a couple of pieces of hardwood or aluminum to protect the treads is your best bet.....Mike

 

[kennyd]

Is that the top-link? If so generic ones are available for a lot less than OEM.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Do you have any nuts to fit that thread? They would work well as brace points to control the bend position w/o pulling heat out too fast in the vise. You could split one and use it around the rod. Set it close to the bend about 2 threads off the bend. Heat the bend and force the end sideways to straighten. A couple steps and adjustments depending on how the straightening bending occurs, and youll have it.
larry

 

[ducks13]

Kenny,

No, it is the side link. JD parts seems to indicate that I need an LVA 14231 for $230. Do you have any idea what this piece looks like, I can't seem to find an illustration in the catalog. Heck, at that price a hydrulic link would seem like the way to go :licking: . . . of course then I'd have to buy the hydrulics to go with it.

 

[The Haymaker]

A press and a couple of pieces of hardwood or aluminum to protect the treads is your best bet.....Mike

This.

 

[RoyJackson]

Is that the top-link? If so generic ones are available for a lot less than OEM.

That's the right side leveling adjustment for the lower links (the handle is the giveaway).

I've worked around machining most of my life. Frankly, fixing a bent threaded rod isn't normally too successful. The required clearances and thread geometry just don't lend themselves to that kind of repair. That, and the metal tries to "springback" which means you may have to try to over bend it in the direction opposite of the original bend. A real PITA.

Just because Deere wants $300, it doesn't mean you can't find one on eBay or another source. This is also a component you could buy from a tractor salvage yard. It's the same unit used on the 4200, 4300, 4400, 4210 and 4310. I wouldn't be to surprised if it's used on the newer 3x20 series Deeres too.

But if you do straighten it to what you think will work, find a nut that you can run up the thread to ensure it runs free. That's cheaper then stripping another Deere component on your tractor.

Good luck!!

 

[SPYDERLK]

I've worked around machining most of my life. Frankly, fixing a bent threaded rod isn't normally too successful. The required clearances and thread geometry just don't lend themselves to that kind of repair. That, and the metal tries to "springback" which means you may have to try to over bend it in the direction opposite of the original bend. A real PITA.
But if you do straighten it to what you think will work, find a nut that you can run up the thread to ensure it runs free. That's cheaper then stripping another Deere component on your tractor.

I have succeeded on all the ones I have attempted. The key is good thread conformed support at the bend point, some heat, and observation with pertinent adjustment during the process... and of course not too bad a bend in the 1st place. The bend shown will straighten well.
larry

 

[RoyJackson]

I have succeeded on all the ones I have attempted. The key is good thread conformed support at the bend point, some heat, and observation with pertinent adjustment during the process... and of course not too bad a bend in the 1st place. The bend shown will straighten well.
larry

I guess ducks13 will find out...