I BENT TIE ROD

sandman2234 · Nov 30, 2006

I bent the one on my little Ford 1100 so many times it isn't funny. I straighten it so many times the metal had fatique cracks in it, so I ordered a new one. (Didn't feel like messing with the left hand threads on one end when making a new one). Never installed the new one, because the old one held up till I sold it (the first time I sold it). That owner promptly bent and broke it. He took the parts to his shop and straightened them, and welded the pieces back together. It is still on the tactor, and has been sold to another friend who is not a welder, so I told him I had the part somewhere if he ever breaks it again.
David from jax

RobJ · Nov 30, 2006

AndyMA said:
Rob This would be true if the bending were occuring by excessive forces coming from trying to turn the wheels and them not turning. Since the bending is coming from the center of the actual tie rod hitting something, negible additional forces will be delivered to the remaining components. I routinely reinforce my tierods and have been doing it for over 20 years with absolutely no problems.

Andy

I understand what you are saying. I'm thinking about a case where the tractor could get high centered on a rock, stump it something. Maybe it hits one if these. If the rod bends, then this might allow the tractor to slide over the rock/stump and not transfer weight somewhere else.

I'd rather fall in a pile of dirt that'll bend, move a bit rather than on concrete. Same with crumple zones in cars. The bending metal takes the abuse not your body.

Rob

schmism · Nov 30, 2006

Tig · Dec 1, 2006

Here is a pic of my bent tie rod end. Although is makes no sense given the damage, currently the wheels are toed out about as much as the manual says they should be toed in. Now the question is, repair, adjust, replace or ignore as the dealer is inclinded to do? Opinions welcome.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/sbattig/Kubota/IMG_5905-1.jpg

Jay4200 · Dec 1, 2006

Tig said:
Here is a pic of my bent tie rod end. Although is makes no sense given the damage, currently the wheels are toed out about as much as the manual says they should be toed in. Now the question is, repair, adjust, replace or ignore as the dealer is inclinded to do? Opinions welcome.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/sbattig/Kubota/IMG_5905-1.jpg

I wouldn't touch it, there is absolutely no functional reason to mess with it. If you just can't stand it, then buy a new one - I doubt you'd be able to preserve the thread pitch if you straightened it.

Jay

bx23barry · Dec 4, 2006

To do it right replace the tie rod end and adjust the toe correctly. I would just try and adjust the toe. If need be take off one end and adjust only the end that isn't bent. I don't think the bent side will adjust much or straighten out with out screwing up the threads. I see now you din't bend the tie rod itself, just the "tie rod end".

firemanpat2910 · Dec 4, 2006

Im with the ignore crowd just post the pic on the "Whats not getting fixed" thread

Tig · Dec 4, 2006

Jay, I hear ya. On a low speed machine a bit of toe out doesn't seem very significant.
Barry, I bought a tie rod end remover last week because it was on sale. I was planning to pop one end off and adjust it like you said.
Pat, you are probably right about where the pic should be but I'm still in denial about whether or not it's going to get fixed.
Thanks guys.

andrewj · Dec 8, 2006

honestly, this is the main reason i did not buy kubota - JD and NH have protected tie rods. if KB changes the design I would strongly consider KB over deere or NH next time.