Wheels are kattywompus on CK30

[bzimmel]

Here are photos of what I think is the problem. Is this my tie rod? I'm assuming this bend isn't supposed to be there, correct? Would this cause one of my wheels to flare out so one is straight and one is turning?

Thanks.

 

[murphy1244]

I think you are right. That looks a bit bent to me too.

 

[Billrog]

Take it off and hammer or press it straight I had to do this a few times on my old tractor.

 

[bzimmel]

Hammering a bend like that won't wreck the integrity of shaft? How much does a new one cost? Does this bend cause the kattywompus issue I described or could there be something else wrong?

 

[mpham]

That will definitely make your wheels bend inward. Over the years i worked on numerous dump trucks that bent the rod the same. Never had a problem straightening them out and driving.

 

[bzimmel]

Excellent. Thanks.

 

[DK35vince]

Does this bend cause the kattywompus issue I described

Yes, The tie rod being bent is your problem with the wheels out of toe.

 

[TJP89]

I think you are right. That looks a bit bent to me too.

Murph, that's more than a "bit" bent. That's definitely not supposed to look like that. As for hammering, don't know. Might affect the structural integrity, might not. I'd at least look into the price of a new one. Double check though, it looks like the pins that attach the rod to the wheel might be bent too.

 

[murphy1244]

Murph, that's more than a "bit" bent. That's definitely not supposed to look like that. As for hammering, don't know. Might affect the structural integrity, might not. I'd at least look into the price of a new one. Double check though, it looks like the pins that attach the rod to the wheel might be bent too.

How much more?

 

[TJP89]

How much more?

Well, I'd say that looks bent about 30 degrees out of straight, I'd define "bit" as...oh, lets say 10 degrees or less from straight, barely noticeable

 

[rd_macgregor]

If you are not comfortable pounding it back into line, you can use a hydraulic press...or improvise one with a hydraulic wood-splitter or even a bottle jack.

 

[murphy1244]

Well, I'd say that looks bent about 30 degrees out of straight, I'd define "bit" as...oh, lets say 10 degrees or less from straight, barely noticeable

A bit in Irish is a lot if your being sarcastic as I was.

 

[George2615]

Apparently your tractor was stronger than the stump you ran over. Stump won, tie rod lost.
Straighten it back up and go back to work. Wouldn't want you to have a heart attack pricing a replacement.

 

[k0ua]

I did that to the Kubota B7500 I used to own. Took it off and applied a 4 pound hammer to it. Took a while to straighten, but it seemed fine for years afterwards. Mine was not a stump, but a big chunk of concrete. I managed to limp it in by sliding on the bucket in reverse to the house. It was pretty funny to look at.

 

[bzimmel]

Apparently your tractor was stronger than the stump you ran over. Stump won, tie rod lost.
Straighten it back up and go back to work. Wouldn't want you to have a heart attack pricing a replacement.

Yeah, actually just received a quote for the rod alone ($70) and total including the 2 end pins ($150). I'll try to straighten it out, but even at $150, won't kill me.

 

[George2615]

A cheap HF 12T shop press will do the job. Yes, it's about the price of your replacement parts but then you'd have a new shop tool for future use.

 

[bzimmel]

Thanks George.

 

[TJP89]

A bit in Irish is a lot if your being sarcastic as I was.

I've used that understatement sarcasm myself once or twice, a little absurd seriousness also livens up the day:thumbsup:

 

[ishiboo]

Cut the tie rod ends off, weld them to a piece of steel tubing... be done with it for like 30 bucks unless you have the steel sitting around.

My Kubota took like $330 a piece tie rod ends, I cut the existing sleeves off (metric tie rod ends are $$$$) of the factory tie rod ends, and welded them to 5/8" SAE tie rod ends with grease fittings. Did the whole project for 60 bucks IIRC.

 

[George2615]

Cut the tie rod ends off, weld them to a piece of steel tubing... be done with it for like 30 bucks unless you have the steel sitting around.

My Kubota took like $330 a piece tie rod ends, I cut the existing sleeves off (metric tie rod ends are $$$$) of the factory tie rod ends, and welded them to 5/8" SAE tie rod ends with grease fittings. Did the whole project for 60 bucks IIRC.

That's another option. I did that on my last tractor when mine bent the same way.
Basically cut the middle (bent part) out off your existing tie rod and weld the ends to a piece of schedule 80 black pipe. Then screw the tie rod ends into the new tie rod you just made.