How to separate front tire knuckle to replace dust boot? L3800

[Rail Dawg]

There is a "castle nut" with a cotter pin holding it on the bottom of the "knuckle" next to the front tire. I lifted the tractor (L3800) with the front bucket and the front tire was hanging loose but even after removing the castle nut I could not separate the knuckle to replace the dust boot. I banged on the rod a few times but was afraid of causing damage when it did not separate easily.

Has anyone done this?

Thanks for any insights.

Chuck

 

[azbinder]

Need to use what is called a "pickle fork". Leave the castle nut on but loose, (back off 3 or 4 threads). Place tghe fork between the tie rod end and the mount, smack the fork with a 2# hammer and the rod should pop loose. I think that most Auto-Zone or O"Riellys rent them.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Need to use what is called a "pickle fork". Leave the castle nut on but loose, (back off 3 or 4 threads). Place tghe fork between the tie rod end and the mount, smack the fork with a 2# hammer and the rod should pop loose. I think that most Auto-Zone or O"Riellys rent them.

Mike I appreciate your help...

If the castle nut stays on how do the two parts separate? It seems the threaded rod the castle nut is on needs to go up through the hole so the dust boot is easy to pull off? Am I wording the question right?

Thanks...

 

[k0ua]

step 3, after the joint is busted loose with the pickle fork, unscrew the castle nut and the joint will fall apart.

James K0UA

 

[JDonly]

Wowwy.

 

[TripleR]

Do a You Tube search on doing this as it can be done without a pickle fork, there is an old thread here on this also unless my memory is failing me again. I thought I had it saved, but can't find it.

 

[Rail Dawg]

OK dumb question if it takes that much force to pop it does it go back together pretty easy or is there a secret?

Thanks!

Chuck

 

[TripleR]

No problem going back together.

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

 

[Rail Dawg]

No problem going back together.

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

Thanks for the link. That helps a a lot. Thanks to all of you for the good advice. Now I can tackle it knowing I won't break something important.

Chuck

 

[TripleR]

There are some threads on here showing different types of guards from radiator hose to floor mats, truck bed liners if you can find them. I hate to admit it, but we had one tractor we just didn't even bother to repair the torn boot. My son in law's have been torn for four years now. I am not recommending it mind you.