Fix for loose radius rod ends?

I really torqued the front axle around some while mowing the slope on the side of a driveway this past weekend. Almost full articulation of the front axle as best I can tell, although I never saw one side come off of ground. As I was loading it back up I noticed a metallic buzz that was hard to pin down, sound seemed to travel through motor and trans yet sounded somewhat hollow. After some head scratching and laying-on of hands I realized the noise was the radius rod end rattling in the holder on the side of the transmission.

Now this tractor was a VA DOT mower so there is no telling how many miles/hours it has on it. I have not used it very hard or frequently so I am wondering if my mild abuse of the front end may have rotated/twisted the rod end enough to squeeze out the accumulated crud to the point that it is now loose in the socket.

Any way to shim or reline these to eliminate the clearance? Or does this call for replacement of the socket?

Any words of wisdom appreciated.
 
New aftermarket caps are readily available.

Alternatively, you can mill or grind the mating surface of yours to decrease clearance or simply place a penny between the rod end and the transmission.

Dean
 
Thanks, Dean. Kinda what I figured.

Next question would then be what type of lube, if any, goes in there? No grease fitting on them so "lifetime lube" or ??????????

Seeing as how mine were apparently lubricated for years by the leaking steering gear shafts I cannot tell if there is a grease of some sort or if what I see on/in them is just steering gear oil mixed with dust and weed fluff.

I like the copper penny idea, has been many years since I have seen something "snugged up" that way. But then that kinda fits the character of this tractor.
 
Fighting suburbia in NC et all,
Just remember to jack up the front end to release the pressure on that socket before you remove the cap. I don't know how I know (wink wink) but the rod will jump out of the socket and jump up. It can pin your hand against the tie rod.
Keith
 
Like the front axle bushing, Ford does not recommend lube on the radius rod sockets, but I lube both upon reassembly with chassis lube.

Dean
 
lube might make grinding compound.

howver if you have a wafer of nylon to put in there you can call that a self lube. same deal with a penny. it's mostly zinc.

if you can't afford a penny, a knockout slup from an electrical box happens to fit perfectly.

if there is so little slop you canp place the cap on with the penny or slug, lay the item on a piece of wood and 'peen' slightly with the rounded end of a ballpeen hammer.
 
Didn't use a penny, better idea than mine. I cut up an alum can and made a filler which worked, with some grease on it.

Mark
 

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