Kubota #K1253-16604 Steering Tie Rod

(15 minutes)
Count the threads past the locknut on the old tie rod, then adjust the new one to match. Don't forget to spin the castle nut back on the old tie rod to hammer it out of the socket.

11/26/2025
BLAINE, MN
Brandon

Unrated (1 hour)
Take your time getting tie rod out

7/31/2025
MANCHESTER, IA
Tom

(50 minutes)
Removing the first tie rod end was easy; whichever side has the least friction will come off readily. In my case, the right side end came off without any trouble. But on the left side I had to wait until a 3 mm thick 22 mm open end wrench arrived from ebay to keep the hydraulic cylinder rod from turning while applying torque with a 32 mm wrench on the tie rod end. But I could feel the 3 mm thick wrench starting to yield; I couldn't get the left end off with wrenches alone. I was able to expand the cylinder rod end with a MAPP gas torch applied for about 2 minutes around the circumference. This and the 2 wrenches broke the red Loctite free that someone had used to install the old end with. Be sure to install the new part with BLUE Loctite. The red is for permanent connections. It would be nice if Kubota made the cylinder end flats wider than 3.5 mm! My Massey Ferguson has 6 mm wide flats on the end of the power steering cylinder rod end.

4/26/2025
LIMESTONE, TN
Jeff

Unrated (2 hours)
Installed these on my BX2660. The parts manual call for P/N K1253-16602 which shows discontinued in the parts locator on the site. The K1253-16604 is the replacement. Installed quickly and works great.

3/20/2025
Lacombe, LA
Robert

(20 minutes)
To make this job I used an tie rod remover tool, which made this easy to do!

1/15/2025
Cromwell, CT
MARK

(10 minutes)
Pretty easy and straightforward installation

12/28/2024
WINDSOR, CA
Alan

(2 hours)
All I did is take my time looked at it pulled it apart put everything back together and put it back in no necessary tips but it works good

9/6/2024
Wallis, TX
Jessie

I had to put vice grip on opposite inner tie-rod to break loose the one I use changing due to factory lock- tight. When I need to do other side it only take approximately half hour to change out.

9/6/2024
Ellicottville, NY
Dan

(3 hours)
looking at the front of tractor take the one on the right off first so you can use wrench to hold the cylinder from spinning, the left side doesn't have a slot to hold cylinder

5/22/2024
DILLSBURG, PA
MATT

Unrated (30 minutes)
Removing the OEM ones was a pain in the neck. The news ones are MUCH better designed for both installation and removal. You will need two wrenches and the ability to hold one end while torquing the other end.

5/1/2024
Porter, ME
John

Unrated (30 minutes)
I found holding both large bolts/nut (1-1/4") to remove one side, then use 7/8" on hydraulic shaft to remove other side. In my case only one side broke free initially from the Loctite. Measure and set the new rods to match the old. Reinstall in reverse, holding the shaft while putting on one side, then tighten the 2nd side holding the larger bolt. Reinstalling was easier than removal.

4/17/2024
CLYDE, NC
JOHN

(1 hour)
Replaced both since I had the steering cylinder off replacing the seals. Counted threads on the old tire rod ends and set the new ones to match.

3/29/2024
PACE, FL
George

Unrated (30 minutes)
A thin wrench is needed to hold the shaft of the steering cylinder when breaking the tie rod ends free. A caliper works well when to transfer the length of the old tie rod end to the new one.

3/28/2024
MINOT, ND
Clinton

Unrated (30 minutes)
Straight forward.

2/3/2024
SAN ANTONIO, TX
ROBERT

(30 minutes)

7/23/2023
OAKDALE, CT
CARL

(30 minutes)
Just make sure you have 1 1/4 cresent wrench.

6/28/2023
FORT LORAMIE, OH
Homer

(45 minutes)
Having the correct tools really helps. 1 1/2" cresent wrench is needed for these.

6/24/2023
FORT LORAMIE, OH
Homer

(2 hours30 minutes)
without the special wrench for shaft use vise grips on right side (sitting in seat) remove left side tie rod, if replacing both use wrench on small flat to loosen and remove /replace right side before installing left side. worked for me.

6/7/2023
LEBANON, CT
earl

(1 hour10 minutes)
Attach to steering cylinder first then to wheel. I did mine on the ground but I think it would be easier to jack up front end to allow wheels to float.

6/7/2023
IRMO, SC
David

(15 minutes)
Even after measuring the length of each side tie Rod re check the alignment (see on line methods) most likely adjustment will be needed.

5/27/2023
GALIVANTS FERRY, SC
John

(30 minutes)
Measure old tie rod length and set new tie rod to same length. Snug up the jack bolts, but don't tighten completely until you reattach the new tie rods into the axle. Suggest assembling the steering cylinder, elbows, spring clips and tie rods together. Support assembly by loosely installing the two holder brackets until you get the hydraulic lines connected. Seat the holder brackets into the groove on the cylinder and tighten the holder brackets adding lock-tight to the threads. Finally, you'll have to manipulate the angle of the tie rod bolt to get the bolt into the hole in the axle. The new tie rod bushing will be stiff.

3/9/2023
SNOHOMISH, WA
Tina