I saw this test for them posted on Youtube:
- posted
15 years ago
I saw this test for them posted on Youtube:
Most that I have seen or worked with are not adjustable. If it is sloppy, it is shot and has to be replaced. In most US domestic vehicles I have seen or worked with, it is only a few dollars additional to buy what is called a long rack assembly which includes both new tie rods already properly installed on a reman rack. If you have to replace both of the rods, there is little difference in cost. You also get a warranty on the whole thing and don't have to look forward to something else in the assembly needing repair in the near future. Generally speaking, if you can detect any movement or slack in the inner socket, it needs to be replaced. If the tie rod flops around as in the video, this is an indication that it has worn to the point that the spring is no longer in compression as it should be. Any wear beyond this point means the wheel will tend to go where ever it wants causing unstable erratic steering, road wander, darting when the brakes are applied and other undesireable driving traits. If you have a FWD vehicle, you need to also very carefully check for worn CV joints as this can sometimes cause or aggravate wear of the inner sockets and other front suspention components. Wheel balance is one of the most common and neglected items which results in excess wear on the suspension and steering components as well as the drive components of FWD vehicles.
Lugnut
"If the tie rod flops around as in the video, this is an indication that it has worn to the point that the spring is no longer in compression as it should be."
That's the answer I was looking for. So there is something in there that's supposed to make the inner tie rod end straight.
If it flops around like that, that indicates it is a bit worn, but does not indicate replacement is necessary. You have no way of knowing what kind of service life actually remains, of course.
If there is no in-out slop, its perfectly acceptable to leave in service.
Dave
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