Problem with top link disassembly

   / Problem with top link disassembly #1  

von-mil

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2010
Messages
457
Location
East-Central Wisconsin
Tractor
Kubota B3030HSD
Dsc08557 tl.jpg

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.
 
   / Problem with top link disassembly #2  
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.
 
   / Problem with top link disassembly #3  
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
 
   / Problem with top link disassembly #4  
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
 
   / Problem with top link disassembly
  • Thread Starter
#5  
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




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.




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.
toplink.JPG
 
   / Problem with top link disassembly #6  
Can you just weld some round stock about 3-4" long to the nut to give you a handle
 
   / Problem with top link disassembly #7  
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.
 
   / Problem with top link disassembly #8  
<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 ...
 
   / Problem with top link disassembly #9  
Found one, not too good, but you'll get the idea ...
P2180005.JPG
The eye on the end of the rod allows me to put the hook of a bungee cord though it to secure the rod so the rest of the link can't spin and loosen.
 
   / Problem with top link disassembly #10  
I think the screw holes were for grease fittings not access on mine
 

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