Wheel alignment problems

carlosdnc · May 14, 2014

I bought a John Deere LA-175 at Lowe's 6 years ago, I didn't know then they sell the cheapest made tractors to keep prices down.
I'm having problems with the front wheels, they are opened in the front and not aligned.
I changed the tie Rods 2 years ago but they are bent once again. have anybody done a repair cutting and threading the rods and using a continuous threaded nut?
I was thinking of doing that but just wanted to know if anybody don it, or is there a better suggestion.
they are expensive to keep on replacing.

RetiredCarGuy · May 14, 2014

You may be describing a toe out condition, also called toed out. Common on constant front wheel impact, with the steering linkage at the back of the spindles. I'm not sure of your model, but you are on track with your upgrade.

Can you just upgrade the tie rods (steering rods) to stronger from a higher end model?
Or just measure, cut and weld up some higher strength steering rods?

I assume the steering rods always bend, never the tie rod ends or steering arms on the spindles?

Good luck, as it sounds like a PITA project.

Yellowfever440 · May 15, 2014

The steering rod isn't bending. When I worked at deere as a mechanic they designed that so when you bought the mower the front tires toed in pretty bad. Then when the ball joints wore in they were straight and after another year or so they were toed out. You can try to adjust them but the next thing the ball joint on the end of the tie rod will pop off the ball. When you put on a new tiered they are probably straight, most likely the spindles that slide through the front axle are worn as well.

carlosdnc · May 16, 2014

Thank you for your suggestions I think I will do that. I will cut them to correct size and weld them and give it a shot

RetiredCarGuy · May 16, 2014

Carlos,
It seems as the way you and Yellowfever440 describe the LA-175, that it has a very weak front axle. Where the tie rods, ends and spindles wearout incredibally quickly! Is there a more long term solution, even upgrade? Swap the entire front axle or just trade for another machine? Repairs every two years to steering and spindle components is just too excessive. If it was mine, I would sell it and upgrade to a stronger much more durable machine for your type of harsh use. Good luck!

carlosdnc · May 16, 2014

thank you very much really appreciate all of your suggestions

pencema · Jul 7, 2021

carlosdnc said:
Thank you for your suggestions I think I will do that. I will cut them to correct size and weld them and give it a shot

Don't cut and weld! I had the same problem (toe-out), watched several YouTube videos and concluded that they're all crazy (or worse). I'd replaced the drag links several years ago when the ball joints went bad, and the new ones are adjustable - at the rear ends. I just loosened the lock nuts at the rear, disconnected the front ends at the spindles and rotated them 2 turns to shorten their lengths. Reconnect, tighten and all is well. Had to jack up the front of the tractor so that the axle could swing to get the links clear enough to rotate.

Midniteoyl · Jul 7, 2021

pencema said:
Don't cut and weld! I had the same problem (toe-out), watched several YouTube videos and concluded that they're all crazy (or worse). I'd replaced the drag links several years ago when the ball joints went bad, and the new ones are adjustable - at the rear ends. I just loosened the lock nuts at the rear, disconnected the front ends at the spindles and rotated them 2 turns to shorten their lengths. Reconnect, tighten and all is well. Had to jack up the front of the tractor so that the axle could swing to get the links clear enough to rotate.

7 years too late.