Sodo
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2012
- Messages
- 3,212
- Location
- Cascade Mtns of WA state
- Tractor
- Kubota B-series & Mini Excavator
These boots are exposed, and rip easily if you drive thru bushes or sticks. If you ask Kubota for a new boot, the only part number that can find is the whole tie-rod end ($46 just to get the little rubber boot). The boot as in the last pic (Kubota part K1253-01660) costs about $11.34 at your dealer, is exactly the same as the original but it's NOT LISTED in the BX parts list. You have to ASK specifically for part# K1253-01660. Even in 2014, Kubota dealers don't know this because it's not in the BX list. Because everything is on the computer, there's no place for the dealer to write a note for the next customer. oldtommyboy found found this and posted it in 2014. It's like an archeological dig.
Changing the boot takes about 10 minutes.
Heres some pics that help. Sorry the instructions are not step by step, but they give you a good idea how simple it is.
1) Count the threads from the jam-nut, then when you put it back together, make sure to leave the same number of threads showing. This is not critical, the BX only goes 8mph.
2)Don't set the steering at hard right (or hard left). *As you unscrew this rod end, it will steer the wheel further. *You need to allow "turning room" for un-screwing out the rod end out of the steering actuator.
3) Set the spiral retaining spring on the tie rod first, then slide the boot on. Then with a screwdriver, work the spiral ring back over the boot. Don't use a new, sharp screwdriver, it can cut the soft boot. The spiral spring should be in a neat spiral when you're done, not tangled over itself. If tangled over itself it presses into the boot like a knife and could cut the boot. It's only 1 and a 1/2 turns spiral, pretty easy to get it right. Deleting the spring and using a zip-tie (or no tie at all) might be a good way to let the boot slide off rather than rip.
4) Recommend adding a cover for the boot before you put it back together. A bicycle innertube or some tougher fabric wrapped around this boot will protect it. Lots of BX owners simply ignore the ripped boots, and it doesn't seem to cause problems, and as said above if you ever wear the rod-end out, it's only $46. But some people are inclined to keep their equipment in top condition so here's how to do this little project. Here's another TBN thread with some pics of "boot covers" that users added to protect their boots.
Changing the boot takes about 10 minutes.
Heres some pics that help. Sorry the instructions are not step by step, but they give you a good idea how simple it is.
1) Count the threads from the jam-nut, then when you put it back together, make sure to leave the same number of threads showing. This is not critical, the BX only goes 8mph.
2)Don't set the steering at hard right (or hard left). *As you unscrew this rod end, it will steer the wheel further. *You need to allow "turning room" for un-screwing out the rod end out of the steering actuator.
3) Set the spiral retaining spring on the tie rod first, then slide the boot on. Then with a screwdriver, work the spiral ring back over the boot. Don't use a new, sharp screwdriver, it can cut the soft boot. The spiral spring should be in a neat spiral when you're done, not tangled over itself. If tangled over itself it presses into the boot like a knife and could cut the boot. It's only 1 and a 1/2 turns spiral, pretty easy to get it right. Deleting the spring and using a zip-tie (or no tie at all) might be a good way to let the boot slide off rather than rip.
4) Recommend adding a cover for the boot before you put it back together. A bicycle innertube or some tougher fabric wrapped around this boot will protect it. Lots of BX owners simply ignore the ripped boots, and it doesn't seem to cause problems, and as said above if you ever wear the rod-end out, it's only $46. But some people are inclined to keep their equipment in top condition so here's how to do this little project. Here's another TBN thread with some pics of "boot covers" that users added to protect their boots.
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