Problem with top link disassembly

von-mil · Mar 28, 2014

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.

Gordon Gould · Mar 28, 2014

If someone tells you how to do it ( which I hope they do ) and you get it apart then you are both better men than I am.

Long time ago I bent the tube on one and tried to get the threaded ends out. Couldn't. Finally I cut the the bent part of the tube out and rewelded a straight piece in. While I had it open I looked at the thread stops to see how to release them. They looked permanent to me.

Jack3489 · Mar 29, 2014

If I remember correctly, there is a spring loaded pin which can be accessed via the removal of the screw (that you removed in the photo). Pin pushes in against the spring as I remember and then you can unscrew the end.

Might want to look online at the Kubota parts diagram for your specific model to verify.

Hope this helps,
Jack

LD1 · Mar 29, 2014

Why do you want to take it apart? Fixing one cost more than buying a complete replacement. And the standard cat I top links like you can get from tsc are heavier than the Kubota ones anyway. And have a longer handle for adjusting

von-mil · Mar 29, 2014

Gordon Gould said:
If someone tells you how to do it ( which I hope they do ) and you get it apart then you are both better men than I am.

Long time ago I bent the tube on one and tried to get the threaded ends out. Couldn't. Finally I cut the the bent part of the tube out and rewelded a straight piece in. While I had it open I looked at the thread stops to see how to release them. They looked permanent to me.

I'm coming to the conclusion that my top link is not meant to be taken apart. Apparently when they build them they:

1- insert threaded rod into body
2- use the little access hole to permanently mar the threads
3- plug hole with a screw

Jack3489 said:
If I remember correctly, there is a spring loaded pin which can be accessed via the removal of the screw (that you removed in the photo). Pin pushes in against the spring as I remember and then you can unscrew the end.

Might want to look online at the Kubota parts diagram for your specific model to verify.

Hope this helps,
Jack

I'm not finding any kind of spring. Thanks though.

LD1 said:
Why do you want to take it apart? Fixing one cost more than buying a complete replacement. And the standard cat I top links like you can get from tsc are heavier than the Kubota ones anyway. And have a longer handle for adjusting

There's nothing wrong with the top link. I just wanted to replace the locking nut with one that doesn't require a wrench to turn - like the one in this picture.

xring100 · Mar 29, 2014

Can you just weld some round stock about 3-4" long to the nut to give you a handle

k0ua · Mar 29, 2014

von-mil said:
I'm coming to the conclusion that my top link is not meant to be taken apart. Apparently when they build them they:

1- insert threaded rod into body
2- use the little access hole to permanently mar the threads
3- plug hole with a screw

I'm not finding any kind of spring. Thanks though.

There's nothing wrong with the top link. I just wanted to replace the locking nut with one that doesn't require a wrench to turn - like the one in this picture.
View attachment 368009

You do know that you do not need a wrench to to tighten the nut up against the center body don't you?.. If someone does not, I will outline the operation here.. Instead of trying to tighten the nut, just run the nut down with your hand until it is snug against the center body, then hold the nut securely with your hand, and take your other hand and tighten the center body using the leverage provided by the cross piece to cinch up the center body up against the nut. To loosen, do the same thing, hold the nut securely with your hand and bump the cross piece quickly in the opposite direction.. A wrench is never needed.

Baby Grand · Mar 30, 2014

von-mil said:
<snip>

There's nothing wrong with the top link. I just wanted to replace the locking nut with one that doesn't require a wrench to turn - like the one in this picture.
View attachment 368009

I went through the same "schooling". My solution was to weld a short length of 1/2" round stock to the nut on mine - works pretty well. I'll see if I can find a photo ...