Those rubber boots (replacement?)

GRUMPA · Jul 7, 2012

It seems like it's been a long time since I posted anything here, so I guess it's about time I do. I own a TS354C and pretty much all the rubber is just falling apart. The poor thing was sitting for so long not being used and now I'm going through it and getting it ready to use. All and I mean ALL of the rubber is just falling apart on the tie-rod ends. This may have been brought up before but is there replacements for these? You know something like a better quality component that will withstand mother nature a bit better.

greg_g · Jul 7, 2012

Yeah, I've yet to run across any Chinese rubber products that I'd associate with quality and/or longevity. Most of the rubber was shot to **** on my TSC354C as well. Didn't help that the 354 also has a chronic issue with the steering rods loosening to the point of separation in the field. KAMA was clearly aware of the problem, and generated a steering/tie rod upgrade package. I got the steering upgrade kit from Chip Uren for $100. Cured the loosening problem, and - since they were new - cured the ruptured grease boot problem at the same time. If he no longer carries them, do an internet search for "universal tie rod boots". They're about three bucks per joint.

As far as covering the steering rods, you can use cut down those aftermarket shock absorber boots that guys use on their pickup truck lift kits. They're stock items in most parts stores, and I don't think they're rubber either. Probably some kind of flexible PVC. Understand however, that you'd have to cut down the shock boots. Your 354 didn't actually come with cylinder boots from the factory. The time to cover the shiny parts with the cut-down shock boots would be when you're installing the new steering kit.

//greg//

GRUMPA · Jul 7, 2012

Kinda glad you mentioned the steering/tie rod upgrade kit, it was a constant issue for me and thought it was just part of owning the tractor and resorted to caring around wrenches with me when I was using it, of course not having net service for years kept me in the dark....Thanks.....I got Chips # I'll have to give him a call later.

RonMar · Jul 7, 2012

Not sure of the dimensions on your 354, but I found these to be a near perfect replacement on the 284's steering cylinder. Made of silicon rubber, inexpensive and available thru about any auto parts store. My local store has them on the shelf.
Here is the thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/chinese-tractors/72032-jm254-284-steering-boot-replacement.html

GRUMPA · Jul 7, 2012

That's a HUGE helping hand right there....Thank You

bluechip · Jul 8, 2012

We have the kits back in stock, in limited supply. The main change is 18mm diameter threaded shafts on inner and outer tie rod ends. (original design these were only 16mm and subject to bend, especially if the steering cylinder mounting bolts came loose. We found some cyllinders installed using 4.8 grade bolts from the factory. We also have the OEM boots. The TS354C, with central mounted cylinder does not have boots on the cylinder itself, seems those boots don't last long on any tractor, chinese or otherwise. We just got one shipment in and are working on another for the KAMA/Taishan tractors.

RonMar · Jul 8, 2012

One more thing to add about the Rancho boot. I got my tractor in june 05 and destroyed the original soft rubber cylinder boot by 06. Put that red rancho boot on in January 06 and it is still on there, just as flexible as when new, and it has stood up to the same abuse if not more for 6 1/2 years...

Gramps in NM · Jul 9, 2012

I bought some "universal" type boots from Carquest that have held up great.

Jinma284 · Jul 10, 2012

Does the rubber boot go over the chrome part of the hydraulic arm? I bought my first Jinma 284 in July 02 and I don't think it ever had one. I now also have a 04 FarmPro and it does not have one either. Pat