Bent Tie Rod

[Jim1764]

Today I was out checking over the tractor and noticed that the left side tie rod was bent. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif I looked up the price online and found it was $125.00 without shipping. The bend is not too sever and was wondering if I could just take it off and bend it back? Should I heat it up first or just try and bend it back cold? Not sure how I bent it but would like to know if anyone else has had this problem. Tractor is a L3710 with turf tires on it. I'll try and get some pictures of it tomorrow but I've posted the parts manual page and highlighted the part.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[beenthere]

From your written description, the bend doesn't sound too drastic. I'd remove it, and cold bend it back. Possibly a conduit pipe bender would fit it pretty good, and give you the leverage to bend it back straight. You'll be able to tell, I think, if the cold straightening will be sufficient. I suspect the metal isn't too hard and bends easily. Better it bend than to snap when hitting something.

Possibly the pics you post will reveal a different picture from what you describe.

 

[_RaT_]

I have straitghtened tie rods on tractors plenty of times using a hydraulic press. Most machine shops have them. I have yet to be charged by one but if they do, it will be a few bucks. Do not heat it. You do not need to replace it.

 

[JerryG]

By all means at least try to straighten it. If it doesn’t work or it breaks, you still have lost anything. At least you tried. Use a press and go slow. Check for crack afterward.

 

[hans2]

Take it off (use a pickle fork) Bend it straight; might need heat . Then weld a length of angle iron along the whole tie rod. Check you tractor first for any clearance issue. It will be better than new when done. Both Kubota's in the family have needed this surgery.

 

[Jim1764]

Thanks for all the input guys. I took some pictures this morning of the tie rod before leaving for work and will post them tonight.

Jim

 

[RobJ]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Take it off (use a pickle fork) Bend it straight; might need heat . Then weld a length of angle iron along the whole tie rod. Check you tractor first for any clearance issue. It will be better than new when done. Both Kubota's in the family have needed this surgery. )</font>

Be careful if you weld a piece of angle on it to strenghten it. By doing this it'll transfer the load to the next weakest point. I think hammering out a bent tie rod is cheaper than a cast steering knuckle.

 

[Jim1764]

OK, here are the pictures I took this morning of the tie rod damage. Picture 1

 

[Jim1764]

Picture 2

 

[Jim1764]

and picture 3
I think I'm going to go with every ones suggestions to try and bend it back into place. I'm not going to use heat just cold bend it. I'll let you all know how it goes later this week. I'll probably take it off the tractor one night after work try and bend it and get it back on the tractor by the weekend. Thanks again for all the advise.

Jim