torn tie rod dust covers.

soarkrebel · Oct 11, 2002

This past weekend i tore one of my tie rod end dust covers or boots as i call them. has anybody else torn one and has anyone come up with a guard for them. i am working on figureing out how to build some. the part to fix it only cost $5 bucks but it's the hassle of having to fix it.
why kubota didn't use a heavier rubber is beyond me.

techman · Oct 11, 2002

Soarkrebel:

Same happen to me and a few others. If you check my posts you can find the thread.

paul

JimC · Oct 12, 2002

I had the same problem with my BX2200, But the cost of repair was $22.50 to replace the entire tierod end.
I finally got the dealer to replace it on a one time deal.
It happened when I had 10 hours on the machine.

I had another one tear, so I bought a bicycle tube, the puncture resistant type, cut off a piece, used the split ring on the big end and a tierap on the small end.
and with the $2.50 I spent, I should have a long term supply of replacement parts.

I agree that the materal should have been heavier and they would not tear, it is a major problem to remove the tierod end, replace the rubber and reinstall the end plus realign the front end.

JimC in South Texas

soarkrebel · Oct 14, 2002

You know what luck i have? well i'll tell you. i got the new dust cover as kubota calls it on thursday. easy fix . just remove the wheel and then remove the tie rod from the steering horn. it does take a little banging be careful not to damage the nut. put the new one on a little grease in it. and a snap spring of sorts.
well i headed off for another weekend of cutting on our farm and deer leases. sat i'm working and just noticed grease on that side. and low and behold it tore again. same side and everything.
i'm ordering another in the morning but in the mean time i think i can take some angle iron and fabricate a guard to protect that boot.
jimc i may actually cover the stock with your method to add some more beef. i know i don't baby the thing it's a tractor . it's made to work but i can't be repairing it all the time.
i got to say those kubota's are tough machines though. i worked that sucker this weekend and it never missed a lick. i haven;t had a month and have 32 hours on it. i told my dealer i would be doing a 50 before the end of the year .

Hoosier_Daddy · Oct 15, 2002

I have been curious about those boots.. I haven't torn one yet but they stick out there taking a lot of front line abuse. I like the idea about the inter tube on top of the present boot. May very well do it before I have a problem. My Polaris has a flexible plastic shield in front of the boots as a first line of defense and take a lot of abuse. Haven't ripped one of those boots and they definately get beat up in the brush. Kubota should check the idea out. Tom

soarkrebel · Oct 17, 2002

all right my boot should be in today. but i have been making some guards.i made some out of 2x2 ,1/8 " angle. i had to die grind and cut to make hem fit just right. drilled two holes for it so it attaches to two of the four steering horn bolts. i grinded some of the bolt hole area to reduce the 1/8 thickness from the steering horn. . i had to cut to give clearance for the tie rod joint and allow for movement.
one is on and the other i am going to show to my dealer. i think it will help prevent any more torn boots. at least from the direction the last two have been torn from . i think i am going find some heavy inner tube rubber and fabricate another overboot and bind it with band its. they just have such great holding strength. i wish i had a dig. camera i would post a picture.