With respect to tie-rod lube...
The stock replacement tie-rods came with moly grease in them, albeit not that much though. I was suspicious the originals never had grease and elected to remove the boot to see if the replacements were lubed. Sure enough they did have some grease from the manufacture. Looked like black moly grease.
Back when this first happened, I tracked down the company that made them for Kubota and sent them pictures and a description of my observations hoping this help their engineering team to see real life results from the field. They did respond, but were very defensive at first claiming they were off warranty. Their tone changed when I told them I wasn't looking for replacements and only providing the results thinking their company had a continual improvement mindset. I offered to send them high resolution (professional grade camera and lens) pictures and/or to send the parts back for their own analysis, but they declined.
The replacements are made by the same company as the originals.
Comment about tie rod price: The tire-rods don't even come with the castle nut and cotter pin. That will add another $10 to the price tag. :thumbdown:
The stock replacement tie-rods came with moly grease in them, albeit not that much though. I was suspicious the originals never had grease and elected to remove the boot to see if the replacements were lubed. Sure enough they did have some grease from the manufacture. Looked like black moly grease.
Back when this first happened, I tracked down the company that made them for Kubota and sent them pictures and a description of my observations hoping this help their engineering team to see real life results from the field. They did respond, but were very defensive at first claiming they were off warranty. Their tone changed when I told them I wasn't looking for replacements and only providing the results thinking their company had a continual improvement mindset. I offered to send them high resolution (professional grade camera and lens) pictures and/or to send the parts back for their own analysis, but they declined.
The replacements are made by the same company as the originals.
Comment about tie rod price: The tire-rods don't even come with the castle nut and cotter pin. That will add another $10 to the price tag. :thumbdown: