Alternatives to factory steering componenets on an older machine? - L345DT

[RickB]

As to link ends you could always wrap shim stock to make a tight fit.
Should work just fine.

That doesn't help sloppy balls and sockets. Or tapered bores that are worn out of round.

 

[arto98607]

It's not so bad if for $550 you can repair a sloppy tractor steering, assuming it's in good shape otherwise and a keeper.


I have ended up paying the OEM prices for Ford / New Holland, John Deere 300 and Kubota tie-rod ends and in the end was just glad to be able to get them!

 

[Smokeydog]

Some time back another fellow had to replace ball joints. New joints $$$ like the old ones had no zerk to grease. He took the new ones apart to drill and tap for a zerk. Surprised by lack of grease with the new ones. No wonder they wear out. My old tractors had grease-able ball joints. Some older than me.

From his experience of lack of lubrication I used a needle on the grease gun to pierce the ball joint rubber boots a pump a couple shots of grease into each joint. Hopefully this will extend the replacement time. Things last longer when lubed.

Might try an alignment shop or off-road shop they make custom stuff.

Millwrights use shim stock all the time to tighten loose or worn fitting parts. Different types for different applications and does take some mechanical skill. If you already have play in the taper, new ball joints might be loose too.