Rod End Size? Right or Left?

[Sam Mac]

That's funny. I need to do 3 Supers. When you get a second how about posting the McMaster part numbers and prices. Just for kicks I want to compare them to some of the Race Car parts suppliers.

[Group_44]

Here ya go Sam, the mounting bolts for the power steering cylinder had the threads worn down. I don't think the it is a good idea to have threads inside the rod ends, like having a file in there.

Line Product Ordered Ships Price Total
1 4444T211
Steel Ball Joint Rod End with Grease Fitting, 3/8"-24 Right-Hand Female Shank, 3/8" Ball ID, 13/16" L Thread 4
each today 4.93
each 19.72
2 4444T231
Steel Ball Joint Rod End with Grease Fitting, 1/2"-20 Right-Hand Female Shank, 1/2" Ball ID, 1-1/16" L Thread 4
each today 6.98
each 27.92
3 4444T951
Steel Ball Joint Rod End with Grease Fitting, Linkage, 1/2"-20 Right-Hand Thread Female Shank with Right-Hand Thread Stud 4
each today 9.59
each 38.36

[Sam Mac]

Nice hardware with grease fittings! My guess is they with out live the tractor. Nice work, I'm impressed!

Now I need to get off my lazy butt and do the same.

[Diesel Krazy]

They look great. Thank you for the part numbers! I will be ordering a set for my 2182. Mine all have a little play and my bolts are also worn on the threads like yours are. I am going to try and find a longer bolt with a shoulder the correct size and cut it down to work so the threads are not inside the rod end.

[Group_44]

The one thing I forgot to mention was the replacement outer tie rod end isn't drilled for a cotter pin. I ended up using nyloc nuts as a replacement for the cotter pin/castle nut setup. I suppose you could drill the new joint but I didn't feel like drilling the threads, just lazy I guess.

[FrankF3]

I like the look of those tie rod ends. I know they are greaseable, but do they have seals to keep out dirt dust and chaff that would be attracted to the grease?

[Sam Mac]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Nice hardware with grease fittings! My guess is they with out live the tractor. Nice work, I'm impressed!

Now I need to get off my lazy butt and do the same.

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

That's funny. I need to do 3 Supers. When you get a second how about posting the McMaster part numbers and prices. Just for kicks I want to compare them to some of the Race Car parts suppliers.

Originally Posted by Group_44

Here ya go Sam, the mounting bolts for the power steering cylinder had the threads worn down. I don't think the it is a good idea to have threads inside the rod ends, like having a file in there.

Line Product Ordered Ships Price Total
1 4444T211
Steel Ball Joint Rod End with Grease Fitting, 3/8"-24 Right-Hand Female Shank, 3/8" Ball ID, 13/16" L Thread 4
each today 4.93
each 19.72
2 4444T231
Steel Ball Joint Rod End with Grease Fitting, 1/2"-20 Right-Hand Female Shank, 1/2" Ball ID, 1-1/16" L Thread 4
each today 6.98
each 27.92
3 4444T951
Steel Ball Joint Rod End with Grease Fitting, Linkage, 1/2"-20 Right-Hand Thread Female Shank with Right-Hand Thread Stud 4
each today 9.59
each 38.36

After looking through my catalogs it looks like McMaster is the way to go. They are with in penny's of the cheapest stuff I can find from the race suppliers and the race cars stuff doesn't have grease fittings. Looks like I'll be ordering enough to do my 2 Supers.

[DoubleO7]

the non-stud ones are certainly more stout than the original sheet metal casing ones.

[Group_44]

There are rubber cups available that cover the ball but my experience has been if I follow a regular schedule of greasing and wipe the excess away I don't need the seals. I find the action of forcing grease into the joint flushes the dirt out and although the grease does attract debris the coating seems to keep the dirt from actually getting into the joint in addition to preventing corrosion which has been reason for the most of my failures. I find that most of the members of this forum are rather anal when it comes to maintenance so a regular schedule of greasing is a normal thing, I wouldn't expect to see a ball of debris-encrusted grease hanging on each joint. Also the general use of the tractors has something to do with my preferences, my equipment is primarily used fro snow removal where moisture and salt is a concern, the grease blocks that as well.

[Sam Mac]

Originally Posted by FrankF3

I like the look of those tie rod ends. I know they are greaseable, but do they have seals to keep out dirt dust and chaff that would be attracted to the grease?

Frank

I think this would solve the seal issue.
http://www.sealsit.com/rod-end-seals.html