Changing dust boot on tie rod - MX5100

[Herkypilot]

Well I have all of 3 hours on my machine in one weekend and managed to hit something on the cover that is suppose to protect the tie rod/power steering rod. Put a nice dent in it which proceeded to tear the dust boot. I don't even know what I hit but I was in the woods pushing some sizable dead fall to clear a way for my ATV to get through. Anyone have advice on the proper way to change this boot? I was thinking raise the front end with the loader and support axle with jack stand. Loosen jam nut and unscrew the tie rod from the tie rod end, slip old boot off and put new boot on (...and hope there's no significant damage underneath the boot). I didn't have time to look underneath today but there certainly wasn't anything wrong with the steering while I was operating and didn't have fluid squirting out - no scored piston - so I suppose it should be alright.

HP

 

[dex3361]

Thats how I changed them out on my L4400. Make sure and count the exposed threads so you you it back in proper alignment. :thumbsup:

 

[Deano]

Even after counting exposed threads, check the toe-in measurement. Manual should tell you how. I would guess the MX5100 has a toe-in measurement.

Deano

 

[ametcalf]

Doew anyone know where to buy just the dust boots? They are both bad on our BX23. When I asked at the dealer if I could buy just the boots the parts man said I had to buy that whole mechanism down there. I can't remember for sure but I think it was about $95. I thought, "Well it still works so I will just wait until it doesn't work so good and then change them." If I knew where to buy just the boot I would change them.

 

[TripleR]

Herkypilot, do a search and there are some old threads on replacing the dust cover as well as how some people protect theirs. Mine on the 5030 has been torn up for two years; someday I will get around to fixing it.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/109455-kubota-dust-cover-replacement-advice.html

ametcalf, we ran into the same thing on our 2660 and replaced both ends. My son's have been torn off for a little over three years on his 2200.

 

[dex3361]

Doew anyone know where to buy just the dust boots? They are both bad on our BX23. When I asked at the dealer if I could buy just the boots the parts man said I had to buy that whole mechanism down there. I can't remember for sure but I think it was about $95. I thought, "Well it still works so I will just wait until it doesn't work so good and then change them." If I knew where to buy just the boot I would change them.

You can get just the boots here at Keller Bros. or Messicks.

 

[Herkypilot]

You can get just the boots here at Keller Bros. or Messicks.

Yes - go to Messick's site and input the model tractor you have and your e-mail address. Select "Steering" in the topic. It is an automated process - you will shortly receive the diagrams for the steering components along with part numbers. Click on the "add to cart". Their web page will open to a cart and show you the price. It will even show if they have the part in stock.
Pretty slick setup.

HP

 

[Herkypilot]

Herkypilot, do a search and there are some old threads on replacing the dust cover as well as how some people protect theirs. Mine on the 5030 has been torn up for two years; someday I will get around to fixing it.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/109455-kubota-dust-cover-replacement-advice.html

ametcalf, we ran into the same thing on our 2660 and replaced both ends. My son's have been torn off for a little over three years on his 2200.

Yes, I know better, I should have searched. Thanks.

HP

 

[CANdiyMXER]

I have a MX5000 and did the same thing. Looks like you damaged the cover same as I did. Be careful bent cover doesn't score cylinder when it extends.

I replaced the cover ($20 each) but didn't change the boot yet (2 for $35). Kubota mechanic suggested leaving machine on solid ground and not moving wheels. He said it will go back in proper spacing that way to previous alignment. Local dealer will sell repair manual for $15 if you give him a stick and take a downloaded version ($95 for printed book). It shows the specs for it as well.

 

[TripleR]

Yes, I know better, I should have searched. Thanks.

HP

Here are some really good threads on this: TractorByNet.com - Search Results

 

[Fixemall]

Last set I did was a couple of years ago, I made an alignment jig by welding a section of old bed frame together that fit snugly against the rims, after replacement I just used the jig to set the wheels exactly where they were prior to repair.

 

[Mike_VT]

It happens. As others have said count the exposed threads and measure when done. I back the nit off a bit and then put a block of wood under and give it a love tap with ha mallet to get the end out. Where this is new you should have no problems.

On the new larger masseys they put the steering stuff behind the front axle. I wish knots would have done that.

 

[Herkypilot]

I finished the repair this weekend. Posting a few photos. I used the loader to raise the front and put a jack stand under the axle on the repair side only. No need to take off the tie rod completely. Just loosen the jam nut and the threaded end unscrews from the fitting. After that, taking the old boot off and putting on a new one is pretty easy. The retaining ring on the engine side is a bit of a pain. Use some of the lube from the joint and it will eventually slip on. I used a permanent marker to mark the threads before unscrewing. Just getting it within a thread of proper alinement. With R1 tires and a low speed vehicle off road, you won't know the difference.

Cheers,

HP

 

[TripleR]

Thanks for the update, I may just get around to doing mine this winter.