The day has come that I need to replace a torn tie rod boot. Below are the pictures of this task. Getting it apart wasn't difficult, once I found a 22mm wrench. Seems that mine must have known that it was going to be used, so it hid itself, because it didn't want to come to work. The most difficult thing was getting the retainers that Kubota uses back onto the new boot. The new boot is made of silicone rubber, and slightly heavier than the original, and that is what made this more difficult. I had a difficult time with the large retainer, and finally decided to push it onto the steel behind the boot, and then work it on. I was able to get both ends on, but moving the center of the retainer presented a monumental task. I eventually succeeded by using a extremely small flat bladed screwdriver. The small one was more difficult in the end because there is no easy way to spread it. I eventually got it spread enough to get it on partially, and then used the small screwdriver to persuade it into position. Getting it apart, 15 minutes, removing and replacing the boot 10 minutes, putting the retainer bands back on 2 1/2 hours. Next time, I will use safety wire and my safety wire twisting pliers.
Tie Rod Boot Replacement
- Thread starter DustyRusty
- Start date
Creature Meadow
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
2012 L4600, Disk, Brush Hog, GB60 Garden Bedder, GSS72 Grading Scraper
Nice and perfect timing, mine is due for replacement as well. I am intending to try a modified route. I have a endless supply of heat shrink tubing scraps from work. Various wall thickness and even approved to be installed in nuclear facilities.
Plan to take it apart slide on a piece of thick wall tubing and shrink into place.
Any reason this should not work?
Jay
Plan to take it apart slide on a piece of thick wall tubing and shrink into place.
Any reason this should not work?
Jay
I can't think of why it wouldn't work, but only time will tell if it will hold tight. If it works, I would like to place my order for a few pieces, because I don't ever want to do this a second time with those Kubota retainers. I wonder what they use to install them at the assembly plant.
I replaced a similar boot on my L4240 about a year and a half ago. It took me longer to take the pictures of my work then the replace the thing. (Then I never posted the pictures because they were out of focus!)
I don't recall specifically how I got that wire keeper back on, but it wasn't an issue with difficulty or time. Maybe the luck of the draw?
I don't recall specifically how I got that wire keeper back on, but it wasn't an issue with difficulty or time. Maybe the luck of the draw?
RCW
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Equipment
BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
Dusty - -
I've seen many complaining here lately that they can't get just the replacement boots. Need to get the whole tie rod end. Seems like several models/series.
Did you get just boots? From where? Part #? Might be helpful for others.
I've seen many complaining here lately that they can't get just the replacement boots. Need to get the whole tie rod end. Seems like several models/series.
Did you get just boots? From where? Part #? Might be helpful for others.
Creature Meadow
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
2012 L4600, Disk, Brush Hog, GB60 Garden Bedder, GSS72 Grading Scraper
I have 2 options one with no adhesive in it and the other with. I may try the one with adhesive, this will prevent any moisture from getting into it. I'm sure it will stay in place, regardless of the one I choose.
I use it on lots of things, even my wheel barrel handles to protect them and end caps on wooden handles to protect the ends. One on shovel handle been there for years and used many times packing dirt in holes with it.
I'll post some pics when I install it.
Take an old inner-tube... cut out a rectangle....wrap it several times around the tie rod end.... close the ends with safety-wire and twisty-pliers.... Job finished.... no disassembly/re-alignment issues... time for beer with the two hours saved...lasts a long time.
In addition, I would probably smear some 100 percent silicone rubber calking on first to make the seal dust and water resistant...
GoeHorn, what beer is the proper reward for taking this route?
I bought them on eBay about 9 months ago. I have a BX22, with the original boots intact on that machine, and this week, I acquired a 2020 BX23S with 90 hours on the clock, and a torn boot. They are called Poly Boots. I just looked on eBay, and I didn't find the seller, and I remember that they were very inexpensive. It was a manufacturer of silicone rubber boots for many applications, not just Kubota.
I used to prefer Becks .... until it became Budweiser-in-a-green-bottle-claiming-to-be-“German“.In addition, I would probably smear some 100 percent silicone rubber calking on first to make the seal dust and water resistant...
GoeHorn, what beer is the proper reward for taking this route?
(Even if you’re a Bud-drinker you’ll be tossing it in the trash.... my German Shepard won’t even lap at it.)
If I drink American beer... it’s likely either Sam Adams Lager or “Save-the-World” made locally here in Cen-Tex which supports charities (with a 7% amber that is strikingly good!)
However, you will buy a Japanese tractor...I used to prefer Becks .... until it became Budweiser-in-a-green-bottle-claiming-to-be-“German“.
(Even if you’re a Bud-drinker you’ll be tossing it in the trash.... my German Shepard won’t even lap at it.)
If I drink American beer... it’s likely either Sam Adams Lager or “Save-the-World” made locally here in Cen-Tex which supports charities (with a 7% amber that is strikingly good!)
I never said I drink ”only” American beer. I said ...IF.... I drink American beer....