2014 XR4046 Cast Steel/Iron LH Steering Arm Part Number 40008948

[psucmu]

While into some heavy brush with our XR4046, backing up, the front wheels apparently got caught on some limbs/logs and broke the LH Steering Arm Assembly. It is where the steering tie rods attach. The part appears to be cast and failed as you can see in the attached photos. Received replacement Arm as well as the tie rod end. As I start preparing to put the parts in, anyone have any experience with this part replacement? As I reviewed my plan to install the fresh parts, it's occurred to me based on the LS parts diagram that there may be parts that need to be pressure installed (with a small press or pneumatic device???). If that's the case, then I either need to somehow recover the bushings from the failed piece or go back to LS and get those on order. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[rburkett1271]

Where did you find the part I’m in need of the same one

 

[psucmu]

I went back to the dealer who then contacted LS. After a couple of weeks, LS sent the parts to me directly. I haven't received the bill yet, so not sure what it's going to set me back. FYI: I had a short conversation with the dealer yesterday, and there may be an issue recovering the bushings and/or bearings from the old Arm. I may just order them as well.

Also, he cautioned about disassembling the Arm - the lower part needs to be supported during the process(at least that's what I thought I took from the conversation). He said you would risk the lower parts coming apart and that it's a pain to get it back together and get it sealed properly. Otherwise the axle would run the risk of not being properly lubricated.

I'm probably going to attempt this on my own in a couple of weeks or so and I'll try to post the experience on TBN.

 

[rburkett1271]

I went back to the dealer who then contacted LS. After a couple of weeks, LS sent the parts to me directly. I haven't received the bill yet, so not sure what it's going to set me back. FYI: I had a short conversation with the dealer yesterday, and there may be an issue recovering the bushings and/or bearings from the old Arm. I may just order them as well.

Also, he cautioned about disassembling the Arm - the lower part needs to be supported during the process(at least that's what I thought I took from the conversation). He said you would risk the lower parts coming apart and that it's a pain to get it back together and get it sealed properly. Otherwise the axle would run the risk of not being properly lubricated.

I'm probably going to attempt this on my own in a couple of weeks or so and I'll try to post the experience on TBN.

Thanks I’ve been waiting on mine for a month and a half

 

[psucmu]

Just had a mobile repair service come by and spent about 45 minutes fixing this part. Turns out, didn't need the bearing and I'm back up and running. On a side note, I asked in another forum entry if anyone has had any luck getting in the LS site to see exploded parts diagrams. That was really helpful when it came to ordering parts.

 

[Williy]

Look for parts list for all your tractor
and attachments so you know where
something is and you have a picture
of how it goes together plus part numbers

willy

 

[Avenger]

Now I feel bad about not seeing this thread back in June.
This exact same thing happened to me a few years ago. I made a video

 

[psucmu]

That's a great video, thanks for sharing. I wasn't on site when the mobile repair service came by, so at least now I know what performing the fix actually looks like. I was working with my Woods BB720X when the damage to the steering occurred. Previously, the Cat 1 3Pt hitch has been the culprit for most of my tractor breaks. As I've mentioned in previous posts, been very happy with the tractor, LS the company, and the dealer, but after 7-8 years of ownership, probably would feel more comfortable with a tractor that had a Cat 2 hitch and and overall more beefy suspension (not to mention, no diesel regen).

 

[Tinhack]

That is a major design flaw. Steering components like that should be no less than Forged Steel, like the tie rod ends. If a steering mishap occurs, it should BEND the tie rod and not break a major component. What if you hit a bump and that happened while travelling 30mph? That appears to be a very delicate area. That is a safety problem. I'd be contacting the Consumer Protection Agency and pressing for a recall and/or free parts. I did that years ago on a Murry Lawnmower for a leaking fuel tank. The response was pretty quick.