What is the best way to fix an LT-1000 tractor steering rod that popped off?

[Don2222]

Hello
What is the best way to fix an LT-1000 tractor steering rod that popped off?
Looks like there is a very Small & slim rubber Hold down strap that broke. This would explain why the rod popped off.
The rod has a hole that fits over the ball. See pics.
What is the best way to fix it?
Is this a good fix?

 

[Don2222]

How about 1/2” pvc pipe with a radiator clamp for a no welding fix?

 

[PaulOinMA]

Have you looked around Jack's Small Engines? I was pleasantly surprised to find the schematic for my 1995 50" Simplicity mower deck on there recently for parts. Check if they list your tractor.

 

[festerw]

If you're considering welding I'd chop part of the arm off, add threaded rod, and put a heim joint on the end.

 

[Don2222]

If you're considering welding I'd chop part of the arm off, add threaded rod, and put a heim joint on the end.

Does the heim joint go over the ball!

 

[festerw]

Does the heim joint go over the ball!

There's a couple different types, some go over a ball and some just use a bolt.

https://www.grainger.com/mobile/category/spherical-rod-ends/spherical-bearings-and-spherical-rod-ends/bearings/power-transmission/ecatalog/N-171f

 

[Don2222]

There's a couple different types, some go over a ball and some just use a bolt.

https://www.grainger.com/mobile/category/spherical-rod-ends/spherical-bearings-and-spherical-rod-ends/bearings/power-transmission/ecatalog/N-171f

Oh, I see
Like this.

 

[fbelec]

or in a pinch grease up that ball and arm and see if you could wrap a wire around it so it can't pop off. and blow up your tires so that it is easier to turn

 

[Don2222]

I like the simple PVC fix.
However, It is not too simple - LOL
At first I scrounge around and found 1/2” Pex but the inside diameter is smaller than PVC ! I never knew that! Why smaller?
Anyway, I had some car water heater hose that was the right inside diameter but when I went over a bad bump it popped off.
Therefore I got the 1/2”diameter 2 foot PVC Home Depot for $1.31 and hose clamps From Harbor Freight 40 assorted for $5.19 I used 5/8” clamp and it fit fine
Cut the pvc on the chop saw and slit it with the pneumatic air grinder. Then slid it on and clamped it down.
So we will see how this works

 

[zrock]

Just buy a new one and replace it is wore out only a matter of time before the rest pop off and probably at the worst possible moment...

 

[mustash29]

Drill straight through the ball socket at the end of the rod. Run a slightly thinner but longer bolt through the hole. Install one nut hand tight but back it off a turn or so such that this business can wobble around freely in the newly drilled hole. Then attach the long bolt to the other portion of the steering with a 2nd nut. Essentially making a "cheap" heim joint. That worked on my old LT 1000 for 3 or 4 years until I finally sold that POS tractor.