JD track rod removal

[Granite Farmer]

I am replacing to rubber boot that goes over the knuckle on the track rod (30 series, non TLS). To do this I have to remove the rod from the wheel end. Just wondered if there are any tricks to get them off as it is very stiff and don't want to damage anything with brute force.

TIA

 

[Phil P]

I am replacing to rubber boot that goes over the knuckle on the track rod (30 series, non TLS). To do this I have to remove the rod from the wheel end. Just wondered if there are any tricks to get them off as it is very stiff and don't want to damage anything with brute force.

TIA

Remove the wheel and put a axle stand under the axle, slacken the nut off the rod end but don’t remove it all the way, this protects the threads and stops it jumping out to fast.
Get someone to put a bar over the axle and under the rod end and put some weight on it so there’s some leverage on the rod end. You’ll then need to strike the casting on the side where the rod goes through, don’t be scared of giving it a good whack with a sledgehammer. The shock should break the taper free.

 

[ACEngineering]

Remove the wheel and put a axle stand under the axle, slacken the nut off the rod end but don’t remove it all the way, this protects the threads and stops it jumping out to fast.
Get someone to put a bar over the axle and under the rod end and put some weight on it so there’s some leverage on the rod end. You’ll then need to strike the casting on the side where the rod goes through, don’t be scared of giving it a good whack with a sledgehammer. The shock should break the taper free.

Can also put a jack under the nut and just begin to take the weight off the axle stand slightly. Instead or or aswell as holding a bar in it. Then a nice wack with sledge but not a tap! One big smack do less damage than multiple little taps

 

[Phil P]

Can also put a jack under the nut and just begin to take the weight off the axle stand slightly. Instead or or aswell as holding a bar in it. Then a nice wack with sledge but not a tap! One big smack do less damage than multiple little taps

I have a set of pullers and a big hammer for the job as I’m usually on my own

 

[ACEngineering]

I have a set of pullers and a big hammer for the job as I’m usually on my own

I'm on my own I never needed a hand to remove a ball joint yet!

 

[solo]

I did several of these last winter. Tractors were simple as I used Phils bar method, but had to use the loader to apply pressure while I thumped it. Doing the telescopic rear axle wasn’t quite so easy.

 

[forblue]

Warning, did this on an old rear steer manitiou 30yrs ago and broke the casting, use a large thumb and two finger ball joint breaker...

 

[Phil P]

Warning, did this on an old rear steer manitiou 30yrs ago and broke the casting, use a large thumb and two finger ball joint breaker...

Ye but it’s a Deere, manitious are made of chocolate