Radius Rod Socket 4600SU

[gary-ca]

How much play should there be on the ball end of the radius rod? All the parts look ok, nothing looks too worn but when it is up on jacks and I pivot the front axel up and down I can see movement and hear the metal to metal play on the ball and sockets. Thank You, Gary

 

[Bern]

There's no clearance spec for that joint, but it's normal for there to be some play. Pack it with grease and drive on.

 

[Ultradog MN]

They get worn and loose. Not a big deal.
Some guys take a penny and a ball been
hammer and pound it to the socket as a
shim. I usually take the socket and cap off
and grind the face on both of them them a
little. Easy does it - grind, test fit,
grind, test fit, etc. You don't want the
cap to fit too tight.
Bern, I always thought conventional wisdom
on those was not to grease as it will
collect grit and wear faster. Like the
balls in your lift arms. Thoughts?

 

[Bern]

I don't have a firm opinion one way or the other on greasing those. The only reason I mentioned it was to quiet down the noise if a customer were to complain of rattling. Otherwise I wouldn't give it a second thought. It's not like there's a lot of movement in there to cause wear.

 

[gary-ca]

Good ideas from both of you. If there is no specific clearance I think I will leave it alone for now. I only noticed it when I raised the front axel and everything was hanging. When it is on the ground it all seems tight. Thanks for the advice. Gary

 

[Destroked 450]

Haven't checked my 4000SU to see if it's loose but years ago when helping dad rebuild the front axle on our 800 he cut a piece of leather to fit in the ball socket, old school way of taking up space.