Steering Linkage, Tie Rods & Bushings

[jimmays]

I've done some searching and don't see any information on repair/replacement parts for the Steering Linkage, tie rods or bushings. I have an '04 36' Alpine Coach. Purchased it a year ago and have put just over 10,000 miles one it. Love it! We're spending the winter in Florida, Tampa Bay area. Took it in for service and general safety inspection. Mechanic says we need steering linkage bushings but the replacement parts are no longer made.
Anyone know of a source for new parts? Or that failing for parts that can be used as replacements. Surely others with similar age coaches have had similar problems.
Thanks

Jim

[Old Scout]

Lots of info on this forum about this issue--might be old threads and hard to retrieve. IMHO--the most likely diagnosis of steering component "wear" is the grease boots on the drag link have deteriorated--note: not the joints, just the boots. Root cause--a design issue with off-centered drag link geometry. Have not found source for grease cup replacements, did find a Volvo part number for link ends/joints--$80-90 each. Suspect your joints are fine, just the cups are bad. Unfortunately, the safety inspector probably doesnt understand and the truck shop wants to sell you new joints, plus labor.

[EngineerMike]

Jimmays- get a better mechanic. All parts are available. Too many coach owners have believed hacks who are trying to sell an expensive fix, i.e. sell you a new drag link or re-manufacture yours to take some ball joint end they like to sell.

Here is some info I've copied off prior posts (links may not work & pricing may be a few years old; feel free to update us when you locate parts):
early models w/1.5” diameter drag link tube:ordered from Truck Components Online. Part numbers are…310-223 TIE ROD END-RIGHT HAND $35; 310-222 TIE ROD END-LEFT HAND $35, aka NAPA HES 423R and HES 423L. They come with new castle nuts and cotter pins. Later models (~2003+) w/1-13/16 diameter tube: “Dayton Part Number: 310-444 (right hand threads), The box also had a industry standard number: ES9601R” That Dayton part# cross references to Euclid E-10163, Meritor part number is: 1698846 right-hand thread @ 16tpi, per Renipladlo. The above per iRV2 thread postings. For $74: http://www.vanhorntruckparts.com/product/23799/Tie-Rod-End-E-10163/ Dayton 310-444 specs are given by http://www.truckcomponentsonline.com/TIE-ROD-ENDS.HTML as stud-cntr-to-rod-end 4.72”, rod shank M30x1.5 thread pitch, Taper- lg diam 1.126”, sm diam 0.94”, taper length 1.1” Stud M20x1.5 which match the ZF shop drawing except for a very slight change in taper angle which should work. for tie-rod ends: 310-433 & 310-434 available from TruckComponentsOnline.com for about $45 + applicable tx & shipping.These are Lt & Rt hand thread w/1.125" threaded section. In searching, I found cross references as follows: 310-433, ES2090L, 230072 for the Lt hand threaded joint 310-434, ES2091R, R230073 for the Rt hand