Lubing a top link?

[MossyDell]

Minor question; minor issue. But one I face anew. I bent the top link that came with my tractor so got a new beefy one from Heavy Hitch.

My old one had a zerk fitting in the middle of the tube. So you keep some grease in there to help lubricate the threads as the top link's ends are screwed in an out for adjustments. But the new one doesn't have a zerk.

What, if anything, should I use on the threads? I've got grease, but of course it'll gum up with dirt, though that hasn't caused a problem in the past. I have white lithium grease, dry graphite spray, Fluid Film, another penetrant, and Boeshield . . .

 

[Birdhunter1]

Pour some oil in the threads if they are ever hard to turn, I've had top links go for years and never need anything. Often time it is more of a desire of the owner than a need.

 

[Roadworthy]

If you feel you MUST lubricate consider dry graphite powder or molybdenum disulfide powder. Of course you could go whole hog and drill and tap the new top link then install a zerk. Grease will tend to attract dirt. This isn't really a moving surface except during adjustment so the main reason for any coating is probably to keep moisture away from the metal. Although it's not a very good lubricant, WD-40 does a good job of preventing rust.

 

[hslogger]

I have known guys who seemingly never lube their top link. They just don't.
I watched them struggle, beat, and mumble when switching out implements.

My extended, ie not OEM top link has no zerks. I just keep the threads oiled generously a few times a year, and sometimes remove the unit, dismantle it and pack it with grease. I do the same to my rear adjustable links, and keep a dust cover on my PTO. I like have stuff that is easy to operate with a light touch instead of reefing and hamering. ANY kind of oil keeps these components easier to hook up and adjust.

 

[RickB]

Of the products you have on hand I'd use fluid film. Any of them will do the job.

 

[5030]

I very seldom use anything because I'm constantly screwing them in and out.

 

[Cycledude]

I’ve actually had the threads wear out so that the top link came apart so I welded it in place but lost all adjustability, took about 40+ years to wear the threads out but it was probably never lubed, eventually I bought a new top link

 

[RoyJackson]

I've used Fluid Film and PB Blaster.
Purely subjective, but I think PB Blaster does a better job

 

[etpm]

I use anti-seize. I don't really adjust the top link that often. Grease seemed too sticky, oil too ephemeral. Anti-seize just fit the bill. It has done the job now for about 20 years. I guess it works for me in rainy Washington State.
Eric

 

[bigtiller]

My tractor lives inside so I get by using any brand of spray-on dry lube.