4010 steering cylinder stripped!

Mahindra4010 · May 16, 2016

I didn't think this was even possible.... But alas, I have proved myself wrong again. My father was using his Mahindra in his back yard, and the knuckle that threads into the steering cylinder and then into the tierod end, It somehow stripped out and now he's stuck. Mahindra wants over 900.00 for a new cylinder, And of course they don't sell just that shaft. We've ordered the other piece with the male threads on it. Thst was 180.00:thumbdown: It's not a good day over at his house to say the least.

Has anyone else had this issue? And if so, how did you repair it?
Does anyone know the thread pattern off hand? I'd like to order a tap and die for it.
CAN you acquire just the piston for thst cylinder, has anyone fixed or replaced one before?
Worse case scenario, has anyone welded onto that type of steel? Did u use arc or mig? I have Both, but that's my worst case. I'd rather not remove the cylinder and destroy it unless I can't fix it the right way. We don't have the 900.00 right now.

I'll post pics shortly once I get them transferred off my phone.

Thanks for any input you may have.

It looks like some bozo stripped it while setting the toe. It was like thst when we got it off the lot, and I noticed it a while back, and then forgot about it. You can see where they put a pipe wrench around it to try and hold it.

Mahindra4010 · May 16, 2016

BKBoiss · May 16, 2016

It looks like only three or four threads on the very top were holding, did whoever screw it up use that to set the toe instead of the proper side and screw it almost all the way out, or are there previously stripped threads inside the cylinder shaft? Being that the threads at the base of the male end appear good you could see if you could find a nut that fits and weld that on the end of the cylinder and then adjust the difference on your tie rod. If it is tightened down all the way I don't see how it could strip again and it would be closer to the proper fix as opposed to just welding it solid to the cylinder.

Oldtink · May 16, 2016

I'd put a Helicoil in the cylinder rod to repair it and put a jam nut on that new male threaded part you bought. That will keep the assembly from working on the threads the next time. Maybe even Loc-Tight that puppy. I agree that it doesn't appear to have been threaded very far into the cylinder rod.
Take the new piece you bought to a machine shop and ask them what the thread pitch is.
And my "end of the road, last ditch effort" would be to weld it back together.

Mahindra4010 · May 16, 2016

Thank you for the fast replies guys. I appreciate it. I'm headed over to the machine in a few min. And I'll find out more then. I like the nut idea! I didn't think of that.
I agree that it looks like someone tried to adjust the toe on the wrong side.
We picked it up out of state, and it's too late to go after the dealer now. Unbeknownst to us, it was obvious that it was their lemon and they were happy to tuck it down for us. It's a good machine, But we've had so many issues with it, it's soured the purchase 2 years ago.

Mahindra4010 · May 16, 2016

Oh, And any idea on where I could order the helicoil kit? I think it's a m-16 /2 thread. At least that's what the nut is on the tie rod side.

Is there a good alternative parts source that you guys know of, instead of using Mahindra?

Mahindra4010 · May 16, 2016

Google is my friend today. Looks like I can get one just about anywhere. I'll try the helicoil first, Then the nut idea if that doesn't work. Thanks guys:thumbsup:

Xfaxman · May 16, 2016

How about the other side, is it threaded all the way in?

Mahindra4010 · May 16, 2016

Xfaxman said:
How about the other side, is it threaded all the way in?

Yep, the left side is fine.

For purposes of a future search on this topic, The thread pattern is M16 diameter, 1.5. I retapped the cylinder, and I think it can be saved. Only the first few threads are damaged. And there is at least a whole inch of good threads beyond that. The new knuckle/ball joint assembly is on order. I'm going to use loctite thread repair to shore up those few damaged threads, and then put two small tack welds for good measure to keep the Knuckle secure once the loctite is set up. So, good news. Looking forward to getting it working again.

arrow · May 16, 2016

I had this happen on a JD I had. I simply retapped both the female and male portions. Put some LocTite on it along with a "jam nut" . Held together well.