Greasing front tie rods

[putt_putt_green]

I went to grease my 3520 (bought in May of 2007) and according to the manual, there are only 4 zerks, all on the front axle. I looked at the front axle, and I don't see any zerks. It looks like they are sealed.

Has anyone greased there 3x20 tractor, and did you have to take off some type of protective cover?

Thanks.

 

[kennyd]

No worries, been discussed before...they must have changes to the sealed joints after the manual printing. Or they want to sell you replacement joints sooner

 

[gogreen]

The zerk fittings on the tie rod ends of my 3520 are on the bottom of the fittings. If they aren't there, must be sealed ones.

 

[RalphVa]

I think there's been more damage to tie rod ends and front end joints via overgreasing and bursting of seals than to no greasing. In all my 50 years of drving, I've only ever replaced one tie rod end. Think they're wise in making them sealed. They're entirely too easy to overgrease and ruin the dust covers.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

Saw a lady on Saturday doing a turnaround on a 2 lane road with a Japanese car (which typically don't turn as sharply as German ones; I know; I have 2 German and one Japanese). Her tie rod ends could wear out. She was sitting there turning the wheel without the car being moved. I heard the front end joints all grunching under the stress. Even if she had it moving just the least little bit, turning the wheels would have been A LOT easier on the steering joints.

What should have been a 3 point turn or even a loop turnaround in my German cars took her about 9 points.

Ralph

 

[MACDABS]

My new 110TLB has no zerk fittings on the tie rods. I understand the theory of a sealed joint but wish you could grease after pressure washing to prevent any water from getting in the joint.

Macdabs

 

[Soundguy]

I agree with ralph.. tie rod ends on tractor do tend to last.. greased or not. I have 50 and 60 year old tractors.. all with OEM ends.. some have a hair of play.. most don't. Most of them have zerks that were obviously used very little as they were painted over when I got them, and still 'sealed'..

soundguy

 

[putt_putt_green]

Thanks for the responses. One less thing to worry about, I hope.