Replace & Improve John Deere Tie Rod Ends (JD 430, other JD models & brands too)

We use our John Deere 430 on a daily basis, and those of you that have one of these know this thing is a workhorse. However, after replacing the tie rod ends on our 1984 John Deere 430 more than a couple times, I decided to replace them with an alternative that will hopefully last longer than the original John Deere replacement part. Also, see the list below for other John Deere models this repair might work on.

Note, you probably don't need a cover/seal on the replacement ball joint I used. Consider the fact that the power steering ball joint is (a larger version of what I used) not sealed. If you do this and have an interest in adding one of the covers I made, please search for eBay Seller SJWGN. If you don't see any for sale, use the contact seller option and let me know you have an interest.

Although some research and confirmation of fit would be needed, this type of repair should also work on non-John Deere garden tractors.

OEM tie-rod end part numbers for our 1984 the John Deere 430 are (½” with a 20 pitch thread):

Right Hand:
AM133072, AM100642, or AM39330
Left Hand:
AM133073, AM100643, or AM39331

McMASTER-CARR Part numbers I used:
Right Hand: 4444T951
Left Hand: 4444T952

When measuring from the center of the mounting stud to the center of the ball joint, the McMASTER-CARR parts are just under a 1/4" longer than the OEM parts (see specs on their website and measure the OEM part on your machine). So make sure you have enough threads left on the tie rod to adjust the toe-in for your situation.

The John Deere parts catalog website seems to suggest the following John Deere models use the superseded part numbers AM100642 and AM100643: 316 (285001-), 318, 322, 330, 332, 38, 420, 430, 48, FC420V, FC400V, FC401V, FC540V, 54, FC401V. Note that sometimes parts only apply to certain serial number ranges, and a dealer should be consulted to know what OEM part you need for your garden tractor.

The parts catalog also seems to suggest #’s AM133072 and AM133073 might be applicable to the John Deere 240, 245, 260, 265, 285 & 320, 325, 335, 345, 355D, 415, 425, 445 & 455, F910, F911, F912, F915, F925, F925, F930, F930, F932, F935, GS25, GS30, GS45, GS75, GX325, GX335, GX345, GX355, HD45, HD75, X465, X475, X485, X485, X495, X700, X720, X724, X740, X740, X744 (again, sometimes parts only apply to certain serial number ranges and models within models they grouped together in the parts catalog, and a dealer should be consulted to know what OEM part you need for your garden tractor).

Please note, I am simply showing you what I did to fix the ball joint tie rod ends on our 1984 John Deere 430, and this may not be appropriate for your garden tractor (John Deere or otherwise). I make no representation as to whether this part meets, exceeds, or doesn’t meet OEM quality and requirements. OEM parts are designed to be a perfect fit for your machine. My repair is not OEM, and with any non-OEM modification it is possible to damage your machine and/or cause injury to yourself or others. Any attempt to do this is done so at your own risk.

Information contained in this video does not create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Injury, damage, or loss from use of tools, equipment, information or suggestions contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not those featured in the video nor those who created the video.