3525 broke Steering ball joint

[maizeandblue]

My steering ball joint broke last week on my 3525. Did not find the castle nut/shaft. It appears to have broke where the threads start/stop. On the backside of hole where the ball joint is attached to the tractor, it looks as if there was a fender washer (see attached pics). Replacement part only came with the ball joint, castle nut, and rubber boot. None of the diagrams available show this in great detail and i have the shop manual. It only shows the power steering cylinder with the ball joints (one on each end), but nothing at the castle nut location. This is on the tractors right side as you are sitting on the tractor. If you have a 3525 i would greatly appreciate a pic showing the front and back of this location (see my pics).
I believe all i need is a fender washer. As you can see in the pics on the backside there is a large ring (evidence something like a fender
washer was there but i want to be certain i put it back correctly. thanks

 

[RNeumann]

Can’t tell you for that specific model but typically the ball joint is tapered and the rubber boot would rest against the bottom of the steering arm. No washer needed.....

Do the other ones have a washer or is it just a pressed in tapered sleeve?

 

[jpm]

Mine does use a washer on the nut side. The bigger question is why it snapped on that side , normally it's on the ball side with the ball coming out

 

[maizeandblue]

Thanks for confirming. My next question is concerning the insert (tapered flanged bushing). Any chance anyone knows where one could be had? Mahindra stated since its welded it is not supposed to be replaced. I would have it rewelded but most of the flange broke off with the weld.

 

[the old grind]

If the one hole is bagged, can you widen the front track a notch on each side and/or just use the next one over.

Spacing of them wonders me if you could just use an adjacent hole without too much limiting of turning angle/radius.

I've had adjustable front-width 2WD tractors and learned there are many ways to utilize the details of the feature.

Think outside the hole?

btw, you can take a Wolverine out of Michigan but can anyone take the Michigan out of a true Wolverine? Doubt it.

m go blue - Google Search

 

[RNeumann]

When I was building off road vehicles this type of stuff was standard fair. You can either go tapered or use a bolt and Heim joint. It’s not like the steering has to be set to 1/64” like a race car. Check out places like Jegs and Summit Racing. Four Wheel Parts Wholesalers may also have what you need.

 

[maizeandblue]

If the one hole is bagged, can you widen the front track a notch on each side and/or just use the next one over.

Spacing of them wonders me if you could just use an adjacent hole without too much limiting of turning angle/radius.

I've had adjustable front-width 2WD tractors and learned there are many ways to utilize the details of the feature.

Think outside the hole?

btw, you can take a Wolverine out of Michigan but can anyone take the Michigan out of a true Wolverine? Doubt it.

m go blue - Google Search

Thanks for the input, yeah i had thought outside of the "hole" but was hoping to avoid. I have access to excellent welders and if the part can be obtained I believe it would be quicker and less a pain in the rear end to adjust the wheel tread width. Of course i have never done it so i could be wrong.

 

[maizeandblue]

When I was building off road vehicles this type of stuff was standard fair. You can either go tapered or use a bolt and Heim joint. It’s not like the steering has to be set to 1/64” like a race car. Check out places like Jegs and Summit Racing. Four Wheel Parts Wholesalers may also have what you need.

Hadn't thought about a bolt and Heim joint. Thanks, i will look into that as a serious option.

 

[RNeumann]

Hadn't thought about a bolt and Heim joint. Thanks, i will look into that as a serious option.

I wasn’t dismissing the taper idea either. I assume the folks I mentioned would have the taper sleeve as well.

 

[JR1]

My steering ball joint broke last week on my 3525. Did not find the castle nut/shaft. It appears to have broke where the threads start/stop. On the backside of hole where the ball joint is attached to the tractor, it looks as if there was a fender washer (see attached pics). Replacement part only came with the ball joint, castle nut, and rubber boot. None of the diagrams available show this in great detail and i have the shop manual. It only shows the power steering cylinder with the ball joints (one on each end), but nothing at the castle nut location. This is on the tractors right side as you are sitting on the tractor. If you have a 3525 i would greatly appreciate a pic showing the front and back of this location (see my pics).
I believe all i need is a fender washer. As you can see in the pics on the backside there is a large ring (evidence something like a fender
washer was there but i want to be certain i put it back correctly. thanks View attachment 625204View attachment 625205

My 3525 did the same thing. I just moved it in one hole, works fine just doesn't turn to the left as sharp. I found a taper but have never welded it in.