John Deere 5205 Top Link Repair

[deere5105]

Recently picked up a JD 5205. Noticed the top link didn't seem to work as it should and found one end turning, but not going in or out. I am using another one for now, but would like to repair the original part if possible. Have looked quite a bit and do not find any good info on taking these apart. I found the top link I have on JD Parts. Here is an image of both the JD Parts page and my link. Seems like the end that does thread in and out stops when it gets so far out.

Any ideas or suggestions on how to get the end that threads in and out and the one that appears stripped out?

 

[beenthere]

Each end should screw out. Puzzled what you mean by "not going in or out". If true, then threads must be stripped, which is hard to believe.

 

[deere5105]

Each end should screw out. Puzzled what you mean by "not going in or out". If true, then threads must be stripped, which is hard to believe.

If you look at the picture of the link you can see how much of the threads are showing on each end. One end is extended almost all the way out and runs in and out. The other end spins but does not extend from or retract into the tube. Acts as if it is stripped. If is just the end damaged would like to replace it and be able to use the original link.

 

[ruffdog]

It looks like there is a two small plugs on the side of the center section. I wonder if those come out to expose a roll pin or stop pin in the threaded sections????

 

[deere5105]

It looks like there is a two small plugs on the side of the center section. I wonder if those come out to expose a roll pin or stop pin in the threaded sections????

Would they typically be threaded in or just pressed in? Never attempted to take one apart.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

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If you look at the picture of the link you can see how much of the threads are showing on each end. One end is extended almost all the way out and runs in and out. The other end spins but does not extend from or retract into the tube. Acts as if it is stripped. If is just the end damaged would like to replace it and be able to use the original link.

I would guess that a good aftermarket top link will be less $$ than the OEM replacement part.

 

[deere5105]

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I would guess that a good aftermarket top link will be less $$ than the OEM replacement part.

You would be correct. Any one of the parts is more than an entire aftermarket assembly.

I have a replacement I am using. Would like to see if could get this one back working.

 

[deere5105]

After more investigation I found a rubber plug on each side of each end of the original link. The left end goes in and out as it should. The right end appears to be run all the way out. It is far enough you can see through both holes. Once it makes a couple of turns and blocks seeing through the holes it gets tight and doesn’t want to turn any more. Couldn’t see well enough to tell if was a roll pin or something in the end to drive out to be able to unscrew it all the way out.

 

[ruffdog]

I guess I would wire brush the exposed threads and flood it with a penetration oil and keep working at it. Good luck.

 

[Quebecguy]

I tried unscrewing the ends of the top link that came with my 5205 when I bought it new in 2006 and the ends unscrewed easily. I think your link took a heck of a bang at some point and ruined some of the threads. Are those rubber plugs perhaps filling in threaded holes for grease fittings?