How about this- Buy one of these and cut the end off the drag link so the length will be the same and weld this on the end. Also weld support stock or small angle iron to give you more support.. Just an Idea..

http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Mower-Parts-021031MA-STEER/dp/B002WOCV9U

 

I was thinking of that. I can get rod ends almost anywere. I was thinking of threading it.... but thinking about it just welding the one end solid might be the better idea.

 

As a low cost fix--- put the ball back in the hole and drive the hole more closed with hammer and punch. Tap in both sides equally. Add oil.

 

I tryed that. Too far gone

 

OK, well figured I had nothing to lose...

Picked up some replacement ends for this and started cutting!!

I still have to grind the welds down and touch up a few spots... but I think it will work!

 

Got her all done, and mounted up!! Works great. I did have to slightly ream out the holes in the steering arms. the replacements were a tick larger, also the studs were a tick longer, but a washer under it did the trick. So insted of almost $100 for a replacement, Im out the door for about 20 bucks!!! I like that.

 

Just a update...

Well I guess my welding is better then I thought... This repair has worked all year with no issues at all!! Its nice to fix stuff, that was never made to be fixed. AND do it cheaply!!!!

 

Good deal Paul, can't beat that!:fing32:

 

Great job with the repair.

 

forgot the picture...

 

You need to hit your mower with a leaf blower after every mow. :sidelaugh

I let grass clippings accumulate and had a significient engine fire when the grass lit off from the hot muffler.

:14_6_5:

 

Next time find a worn out tie rod or drag link that has a theaded end like the other end of your drag link then weld this theaded end onto your cut down rod. Then you can just screw on a new rod end [ unless the replacement rod end outlives you ]

 

I got tired of hammer them back together. I fixed this all four of them 24 years ago and it wasn't cheep then, but I haven't had any trouble with it since.

 

Nice! That's not going anywere

 

Actually just yesterday mine broke in the same exact spot I eliminated the ball and just put a bolt down through the steering link into the hole( a little smaller bolt than the hole) with a heavy duty nylon and a metal washer above the hole and same below with a locking nut ( not completely tigh, you need movement)... took me 15 minutes and was back out cutting my 3 acres. I ordered one just incase but I'd like to see how long this lasts out of curiosity. I really didn't think it could be that simple but ya never know unless you try! Good luck

 

I know this O P is several years old, but it's worth reviving as we can see above! IMO! When I was a kid my grandfather, used a bolt, and drilled holes lengthwise,(vertical), and horizontally, and tapped a hole for a small Zerk fitting. Parts weren't available, and if they we're he couldn't or wouldn't spend the extra money on something he could fix in the garage/shop! I wish I had a picture of that back then as I remember watching, and trying to help at a very young age!

ETU