The tie rod is a mechanical part in the steering of the vehicle. It is a slender structural rod, which is used as a tie and is capable of carrying tensile loads only. A tie rod will have an outer and inner end. Since the ratio of the length and the radius of the gyration of its cross section is large, it will often buckle under the action of the compressive forces. This tie rod will often transmit force from the steering center link or the rack gear to the steering knuckle, which will eventually lead the wheel to turn. The outer side of the tie rod connects to the adjusting sleeve, which lets the length of the tie rod to become adjustable. This adjustment is often used for adjusting the vehicle’s alignment angle.
The tie rods are connected in the ends in various different ways. However, it is a must that the strength of the connection should be at equal strength to that of the rod. It is very important to check the suspension and steering system of your vehicle at least once in a year, along with wheel alignment. If there is a worn out tie rod then it can cause wandering and erratic steering. When you think of replacing tie rod ends, then at this point you will also have to replace the wheel alignment as well, because it will disturb the entire alignment setting.
Replacing tie rod ends is not as difficult as it sounds.
Here are a few simple tips on how to replace tie rod ends:
Things Required:
- Pliers
- Measuring tape
- Ruler tie end
- Wrenches
- Grease gun
- Jack stand
Steps:
- The first step for replacing tie rod ends is jacking up your vehicle and securing it at that position.
- Check if they need to be replaced on the outer side by trying to move the tire from left to right. This process is simple if someone is there to help you in moving the tire, while you are checking the tie rod ends.
- Now, you will have to make a mark on the tie rod. Take a measuring tape and measure the distance between the grease fitting on the rod end and between the mark you just made. Take out the cotter pin from the rod end and the nuts also.
- Take the tie rod puller and place it on the steering arm end along with the puller bolt, which is centered on the tie rod end stud. You will have to tighten the puller screw with the help of a wrench until the tie rod end is released from the steering arm.
- Start loosening the sleeve bolt and unscrew the tie rod end from the sleeve area. Always remember that some of the cars will not have a clamp or sleeve, instead they will have a locknut on the tie rod ends threads. You must loosen this locknut so that you can unscrew the tie rod end.
- Take the new tie rod end and install it on the end of the sleeve. Carefully turn the tie rod end on the sleeve until the distance between the paint mark and the grease fitting is equal to the earlier measurement.
- Now, tighten the sleeve bolt, start installing the stud on the steering arm, and make sure that the nut is properly secured in place.
- Take a new cotter pin and install it. If the cotter pin hole is not lined properly, then you will have to turn the nut tightly until the cotter pin completely passes through. Always remember that you must not loosen the nut to align it along with the cotter pin holes.
- Tighten the lug nuts and install the tires. Take out the jack and the jack stands. Try to get a front end alignment as quickly as possible. Now you are done with replacing tie rod ends. Knowing how to replace tie rod ends will save you quality time in the future.
Tips and Warnings:
- Before you start removing the tire for replacing tie rod ends, make sure that your car is well supported by the jack stand.
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