Tie Rod Boots

[svendawg]

I tore the tie rod boots on my 4550 and need to replace it. Mahindra wants $150.00 for a replacement rubber boot (ouch) Part L1009100012. Does anyone know of an aftermarket part of an alternative I can use. Rubicon International has the entire tie rod assembly with the boot for $112.00 (currently out of stock) Seems pretty extreme for the boot to cost more than the entire assembly

 

[sea2summit]

Dang! I thought Kubota’s was over priced at $30.

 

[Tinhack]

Do you have a picture of one? Dorman sells off the shelf boots for $6-$8 and found at most auto parts stores. Google "tie rod boots" and see if you can find one close. They come in many forms. Or find someone that can make a 3D file and print it out of TPU filament. I've got the printer and filament but no file.

 

[MTGreen]

Maybe order by size?
For example:

SEARCH BY SIZE

Ball Joint Boots and Tie Rod End Boots by Dimensions The search by size gives you the opportunity to find suitable dust boots, when you can't do that by just searching by make and model. For your convenience, the ball joint boots and tie rod end boots are split in 2 groups - by color and h

polyboots.com

 

[svendawg]

I need to pull the boot off to get measurement and I'll begin my search.

 

[SimpleSimon]

yeah, I have the same situation....on a 4025....it flexes so don't think 3D printing would work. I just used duct tape. If you were to replace, it looks as though it will be a pain to disassemble and reassemble.
Simon

 

[dodge man]

I think they make split boots so you don’t have to take it apart to replace them. I assume they are generic and not designed for your tractor. I’ve never used them so I don’t know how well they work.

 

[kirkawilson]

Make sure the thread direction and size matches.

 

[svendawg]

Here is a picture of the boot. The measurements are on the small side are .73 or 18mm. the large side is 1.51 or 38mm. I found something close on e-bay that I ordered but it is coming from Bulgaria. Due to come around Jan 11 to Feb 1 2024. It's made from silicone so I hope it will work.

The company MTGreen mentioned (polyboots.com) looks to have a close match but they don't sell to private buyers and they are also in Bulgaria. That too bad because it would be a good resource for this type of boots

The Company name on the Boot QH Talbros is a company in India but they seem to be focused on tie rod and steering assembles and not individual parts for the tie rods.

SimpleSimon The disassembly wasn't too bad.

 

[gardner175]

I think they make split boots so you don’t have to take it apart to replace them. I assume they are generic and not designed for your tractor. I’ve never used them so I don’t know how well they work.

Thanks for your post. I am having the same problem with my 4550. The dealer does not sell the boots and I was trying to figure out some way of Macgyvering a fix. It looks like a split boot would work and they are available at several auto parts stores near me at a reasonable price. There are also several youtube videos on how to do it. I will definitely give it a try next spring when things slow down and warm at my place.

​

 

[SimpleSimon]

SimpleSimon The disassembly wasn't too bad.

Thanks, I will have to look into that....

 

[MarshSt]

You might try looking at boots for ATV or 4x4 off-road shocks.

 

[Tinhack]

yeah, I have the same situation....on a 4025....it flexes so don't think 3D printing would work.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) filament is flexible. It's generally available from 75-95 Shore A and some special types of TPU filaments with Shore hardness down to 40A. I just made an O-ring seal a couple of days ago with it.

 

[svendawg]

Here is an update on my search for a replacement boot for the tie rod on my Mahindra 4550
I found a pair of silicone boots that fit perfectly for a cost of $3.90 plus $5.20 shipping out of Bulgaria.
They took about a month to get here, and I've had them on the tractor for a month testing them out. So far so good. They are not as robust as the OEM boots but their working. I also beefed up the bracket on the guard that is in front of the tie rod to further protect the boot. If anyone is interested in where I purchased the boots, PM me for the info.

 

[MoKelly]

Here is an update on my search for a replacement boot for the tie rod on my Mahindra 4550
I found a pair of silicone boots that fit perfectly for a cost of $3.90 plus $5.20 shipping out of Bulgaria.
They took about a month to get here, and I've had them on the tractor for a month testing them out. So far so good. They are not as robust as the OEM boots but their working. I also beefed up the bracket on the guard that is in front of the tie rod to further protect the boot. If anyone is interested in where I purchased the boots, PM me for the info.

Good for you. Great detective work!!!

 

[tbear9668]

I have the same problem with my 2016, 2538. Called the dealer and he said they do not sell just the boots, would have to buy he whole thing, right side was 192.00, left 187.00. I'll wrap it with old innertube and zip tie it first.

 

[SimpleSimon]

I have the same problem with my 2016, 2538. Called the dealer and he said they do not sell just the boots, would have to buy he whole thing, right side was 192.00, left 187.00. I'll wrap it with old innertube and zip tie it first.

That sounds better than the duct tape I've been using...

 

[oldballs]

I've been meaning to ask this question for a long time.....How come the manufacturer (Kubota in my case) never recommends greasing these tie rod connections in their OE manual maintenance directives?

Cheers,
Mike

 

[tbear9668]

If they aren't greased they stand to make some big money when you replace them, at least that's the way it seems with Mahindra

 

[SimpleSimon]

plus no grease fittings..