#32580-44780 Steering Linkage Cover (Tie Rod / Steering Cylinder Application)

(2 hours)
A little tricky, but not too difficult. 1 to 1-1/2 hrs. total time for both sides. Remove hair pin and castle nut from tie rod end. Separate tie rod end from hub (Kubota calls it the gear case) using a pickle fork. Remove old retainer clip and dust cover (boot). Load grease into new dust cover. Install dust cover over bolt and ball joint. The next step is the trickiest. The retainer clip wraps around the dust cover about 2-1/2 times and rides in a groove in the dust cover and the ball joint. The clip is springy but very stiff. Set one end of the clip in the groove that it will ride in. Run a small flat bladed screwdriver or similar tool around the interior of the clip until the whole length of the clip has gradually been transferred into the groove in the dust cover. (Kind of like running a key onto a split key ring - this must be done carefully in order to not damage the dust cover). Do not compress the dust cover on the shaft (leave it expanded) as this increases its diameter and makes it harder to get the clip over the dust cover. Also, don't stretch the retainer clip too much as it will expand and then not hold the dust cover on the ball joint. I used a grease gun needle injector which actually pierces a tiny hole in the dust cover to complete the greasing process.

10/23/2024
PARKTON, MD
phil

(30 minutes)
Be sure to clean the old grease from the bottom of the tie rod end and put some new grease in there. The hardest part is getting the spring back in place but if you take your time you will get it. Be careful not to puncture the new dust boot with the ring during install.

7/27/2023
Heath Springs, SC
Tony