Torn boot?

[dodge man]

One of the front steering boots is slightly torn on my BX2350. How big of a deal is this? It doesn't look as if its filled with grease or anything. It looks like it would be difficult to replace it.

 

[TripleR]

$125 per side when I had mine replaced; don't loan your tractor out

I sold my BX2200 to my son in law in 08 when I got my BX2660 and he tore both boots up and bent one of the tie rods; been running it that way ever since.

I know of some people who have wrapped them in rubber or leather either before or after the tear. There are no moving parts in their like on a CV boot; probably should fix it, but I wouldn't worry too much about it; well "I" would, but I am not a good yardstick by which to measure as I can't stand anything like that.

 

[638]

I've not been able to find just the rubber boot. You'll have to replace the tierod end to replace the boot. I have an old bicycle inner tube that I'm going to put on my BX if I ever get a round tuit.

 

[BotaBX24er]

I've not been able to find just the rubber boot. You'll have to replace the tierod end to replace the boot. I have an old bicycle inner tube that I'm going to put on my BX if I ever get a round tuit.

now that's a plan :thumbsup:...i tore mine the other day too (that's what I get for trying to move stuff at night...

 

[redharley]

my boots have been tore on my BX 2230 for 3 years now,[I figure I would have torn more than 1 set by now] no ill effects.nothing is rusted or looks out of place so I have chosen to wait it out. If I have to replace due to falling apart due to rust or wear I will report it here for sure.In the mean time I have invested my $250 in a new fishin rod and reel.

 

[cityfarma]

This problem has been mentioned previously. I recall someone using a flexible radiator hose to protect the boot.

Cityfarma

 

[milkman]

Here's one of the solutions, mine was torn and I let it go till the joint got loose and then I replaced it and used a radiator hose to cover it. Working so far.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/120298-bx-torn-boots-another-solution.html

 

[dodge man]

Thanks for the link Milkman, it looks like a good idea. An often overlooked idea is to do nothing. I'm going to go that route, and if I have to replace it some day, I'll protect like you did.

 

[amg280]

They are in a very susceptible place for damage. One of mine was actually ripped by a snow bank I believe this past winter. When it gets loose and sloppy, i'll replace it.

 

[EE_Bota]

You know, if we could find an ATV with similar diameters of shaft and hub, we could use a CV joint split boot kit to replace those little rubber pieces.

Another idea that occurred to me was that guy on TV with the Aussie? accent talking about the silicone tape based stuff that sticks to itself. Seems like he called it Mighty Fix-it.

 

[pfrankovich]

One of the front steering boots is slightly torn on my BX2350. How big of a deal is this? It doesn't look as if its filled with grease or anything. It looks like it would be difficult to replace it.

Mine tore and I replaced them both with bicycle inner tube.... It does not take long to replace the boots with tube (30mins per side once you get the hang of it)..... I used a mountain bike tube 2.125 size. When you cut it make it long enough so that you can turn the tube inside out over itself to make it twice as thick and then secure each end anchoring it with zip ties straddling the joint...

Things to pay attention to:
1. The length of your tie rods (measure the length of the tie rods BEFORE you begin removing them (measure twice to make sure you put it back together very close to original)

2. DO clean the tie-rod joint (you dont have to get crazy with the cleaning, just do a good job) then manually try to regrease the joint with a good quality grease (I use a lithium based axle grease)


I will post pics when I get a moment, and I may post a "how to" next time I change them (they usually last a year before I have to replace them)....

 

[Baby Grand]

I replaced a torn boot on my L3240 about a year ago. I ordered the part from Messick's for about $25, which included shipping. It went together with minimal swearing except when it was time to slip that pesky snap ring back over the greasy rubber boot. No knuckles were harmed in this repair.

This is a weak point in the Kubota front end design and someone on here did a really nice job of armouring his machine by bolting a section of belting or tire tread to the front of his steering rack. It was an elegant solution that provided heavy protection for the boot from sticks while still flexing enough to allow the steering to go from lock to lock. I'll snoop around and see if I can find that thread.

Milkman's radiator hose solution is real trick, too - nice use of available materials!

-Jim

 

[Baby Grand]

It was Redbug:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/142068-now-why-didnt-they-do.html

 

[07 LMM LTZ]

I just replaced a boot on my L3940 it took about a half hour. Just unbolted the tie rod and unscrewed it, counting the turns, slipped the new boot on and screwed the tie rod back in and bolted it up. The part was $17.00 at the local dealer.

 

[montelatici]

I used that silicon rubber stuff to repair it on my BX24. Some say that just leaving it alone is ok unless you do many, many hours of work per year. Who knows. Plus a loose tie rod on a tractor is not like a loose tie rod on a vehicle going 60-70 MPH.

 

[pfrankovich]

I just replaced a boot on my L3940 it took about a half hour. Just unbolted the tie rod and unscrewed it, counting the turns, slipped the new boot on and screwed the tie rod back in and bolted it up. The part was $17.00 at the local dealer.

Last time I inquired about a replacement boot for the BX2350, I was informed that the boot itself is not available. The boot is "part" of a complete tie-rod assy..... I am hoping someone can say that this is wrong (and provide a meaningful part number) as I would love to replace my BX2350 boots also..... Until then, I am using my "tube" fix....