Tore bellows boot on steering linkage....

   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage.... #1  

Coyote machine

Super Member
Joined
May 4, 2009
Messages
7,641
Location
Southern VT
Tractor
22 SANY SY 50U, '10 Kioti DK 40se/hst KL-401 FEL, loaded tires, KB-2485 bhoe, Tuffline TB160 BB, Woods QA forks, MIE Hydraulic bhoe thumb & ripper tooth, Igland 4001 winch, & GR-20 Log Grapple. Woods BBX72" Brush Mower. Diamondplate aluminum canopy
Somehow I seem to have hit the bellows boot on the right front steering linkage and tore it wide open. Probably couldn't have done if I had tried, but managed it without even knowing it was happening.
Now I'm seeking any solutions / alternatives to replacing the entire assembly, which my dealer says costs around $109.

I know car manufacturers have aftermarket boots for CV joints that allow one to remove the old boot without disassembling the steering rack, etc.
Has anyone know of a similar type of setup for this application?

If there is no alternative to complete removal and installation of a new bellows boot; any thoughts on how to keep the adjustments and not throw the front end out of alignment in the process of R & R?
 
   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage.... #2  
Is the boot on the outer end of the link or the ineer? Can you post a picture of the area where the damage occured?
 
   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage.... #3  
The DK40 must be unique. The only rubber the CK line has down there is the tie rod end boots. Mine have been torn for years.
 
   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage....
  • Thread Starter
#4  
It's NOT the tie rod boot. It's the bellows boot further in toward the center of the front end. It is a much larger boot that covers the end of the arm coming from the tie rod to the power steering rack. No pics, yet- but maybe if I can find the time to take and post some.:)
 
   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage.... #5  
As for the keeping the front end alignment.

Mark the locking nut and fitting if not already done (mine has marks from the factory). Lossen the locking nut until it bottoms out on the ram counting each trun past the marks. Make sure the fitting does not move while doing this. Make a note of the number of turns as you will use this to get back to the same spot.

Now you can remove the fitting and lock nut to replace the boot. Once you have the new boot in place install the lock nut to the bottom position and count out the turns to return it to the correct position. Now you can reinstall the end fitting and fine turn the alignment marks. This should put you back at the exact location before removal.

Hope this helps.

Tom
 

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   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage....
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Tom,
Thanks for the description of the process- it's been a long time since I had to do anything like a steering linkage repair. I want to make sure I don't screw up and chew up my industrial tires on this puppy:confused2::thumbsup:
Seems I do more damage, like tearing the boot, I'm not even aware of until later when doing routine inspections of the tractor... Maybe I've got gremlins sneaking into my garage at night trying to keep my dealer parts guy busy:laughing:
 
   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage.... #7  
Anytime I am glad I could help. Let me know how it goes.

With any toy (tool) or other the easiest part is the purchase. I don't care what brand or type if you use it you will break it. Just be glad this time its an easy cheap fix.

So many just call the "guy" and be done with it. Not to many of those around this forum though (Thank God). In the end paying the "guy" is usually cheaper but in my opinion just no fun. Life is the journey not the 6' plot in the end. If I have it my way I will dig that too.
 
   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage.... #8  
Tom,
Thanks for the description of the process- it's been a long time since I had to do anything like a steering linkage repair. I want to make sure I don't screw up and chew up my industrial tires on this puppy:confused2::thumbsup:
Seems I do more damage, like tearing the boot, I'm not even aware of until later when doing routine inspections of the tractor... Maybe I've got gremlins sneaking into my garage at night trying to keep my dealer parts guy busy:laughing:

At inspection,I thought I had torn a rubber ride on mower shield and couldn't remember doing it.

Then realised it was chewed by vermin; probably rats.

And yes, the shed was loaded with poison. Even more now.
 
   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage.... #9  
It is one of those maintenance things to check and adjust the alignment. There's a toe spec. This would be a good time to measure to sure that it is right on.
 
   / Tore bellows boot on steering linkage.... #10  
Unless you do a lot of on road driving I would not worry about it much.

The Service Manual calls for 2~8mm toe-in. They changed the steering system from what is in the SM. The original system was 2 single action cylinders in front and a tie rod in the rear. Our tractors have a single double action cylinder in the front and no tie rod. This should not affect the specs only how the adjustment is performed.
 

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