von-mil
Gold Member

This is the original top link from my Kubõta B3030. I am unable to completely remove the threaded rod from the top link body. It unscrews to a point near the end of the rod but then will not turn any further.
I read elsewhere on TBN that some top links have a cross pin or key that sticks out slightly from the rod's threads in order to prevent the rod from coming completely out from the body. In these cases, there would be an access hole in the body, usually covered with a small screw. Supposedly there is a way to get the cross pin out through the access hole thereby allowing the complete removal of the rod.
My top link has these access holes, one at each end. Through this hole I can feel something in the rod's threads and I am sure that it is what is preventing the rod's removal. However, I cannot figure out how to remove whatever is in there. I've tried inserting various small screwdrivers and allen bits but nothing will catch. It's hard to see what is just inside the hole due to grease and not enough light coming through the small hole.
Is anyone familiar with this procedure? Removing these rods should be a simple task, right?
Thanks.