Steering linkage ~ missing boot?

Coyote machine · Sep 30, 2011

Driver's side steering rack. Starting at wheel working toward center of tractor. Tie rod end with rubber boot enclosing it. Then another boot over a ball joint? (machine not in front of me so hard to recall exact layout); then a chrome plated shaft about an inch in diameter going toward and into rack. Is THIS shaft supposed to be covered by some sort of boot, or is it bare and open to the elements?
I ask because mine is bare and I don't remember ever seeing a bare shaft in this area before. I may well have torn off the boot, assuming there is one, when last playing in my muddy VT stream, turned raging river by the recent storms and my inability to stay out of trouble's way. Any help appreciated. :thumbsup:

5030 · Sep 30, 2011

On both my Kubota's, the shaft (hard chrome part) is exposed. I'd imagine that Kioti is similar.

Coyote machine · Oct 1, 2011

5030,
Thanks for that! I'm hoping you're right.
BTW, What's a Kubota?

5030 · Oct 1, 2011

Coyote machine said:
5030,
Thanks for that! I'm hoping you're right.
BTW, What's a Kubota?

It's what Kioti copied and got sued for in the 'Trade Dress Infringement' Lawsuit a few years back that was settled out of court.

In all honesty, I'm not brand loyal so long as it's not green is good with me....

Coyote machine · Oct 1, 2011

5030 said:
It's what Kioti copied and got sued for in the 'Trade Dress Infringement' Lawsuit a few years back that was settled out of court.

In all honesty, I'm not brand loyal so long as it's not green is good with me....

Don't u know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? And since Kioti wasn't copying so much as improving on what Kubota was doing it was to everyone's benefit in the long run.

No matter what color it's just paint in the end result. :thumbsup:

JoelD · Oct 1, 2011

A picture would be really helpful, this may seem silly, but you are not talking about the hydraulic power steering cylinder are you?

Joel

5030 · Oct 1, 2011

JoelD said:
A picture would be really helpful, this may seem silly, but you are not talking about the hydraulic power steering cylinder are you?

Joel

It's not hydraulic power steering anyway. Its hydrostatic power steering.

Coyote machine · Oct 1, 2011

5030 said:
It's not hydraulic power steering anyway. Its hydrostatic power steering.

5030: Hydrostatic steering using UTF, hydraulic fluid, no?

Joel: Yes, I guess I am referring to the piston which drives the wheels left or right; you say it is the power steering cylinder. So is it booted or bare metal?

Thx, CM

SSdoxie · Oct 1, 2011

If you can see the chrome rod when standing in front machine looking down at it, the brush guard is missing. Brush guard bolts to the tie rod and extends over the cylinder barrel to help protect the chrome rod.

Coyote machine · Oct 1, 2011

Yes, the shaft is covered by the shield and can be seen when looking from beside the left front wheel area. Otherwise it is less visible.
I wanted to verify that it is supposed to be exposed, and does not require a boot.

Thx.
CM