Front end tie rod question

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Jun 28, 2006 | 12:06 PM

VT-tuna

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Intermediate

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Front end tie rod question

I have an 81 that I've had for about a month now. Going over all kinds of things. When driving the car, the wheel is set to the left a bit but the car doesnt' pull too much. Anyway, got under the front end and everything seems pretty tight. BUT, on the drivers side, the tie rod tube (connects inner to outer tie rod end) has a bow in it. Passenger side is straight. Can anyone confirm if it is a straight tube or supposed to be bowed a little?

Thanks,
Mike

Jun 28, 2006 | 12:19 PM

VT-tuna

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Think I figured it out since the part numbers are the same for left and right. I got a bent one.

Jun 28, 2006 | 12:19 PM

CA-Legal-Vette

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

Should be a straight tube. You should be able to get a replacement at most any auto parts shop. You'll probably have to redo the alignemnt at some point after replacing it, but you can get pretty close by trial and error.

Jun 28, 2006 | 12:20 PM

roger55

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 1,249

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From: San Angelo TX

It should be strait but it won't matter if the toe is adjusted properly.

If you replace or straighten it, you will have to get it re-aligned but it sounds like it needs that anyway.

Jun 28, 2006 | 01:28 PM

NHvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2002

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From: I can walk to MA

Sounds like the alignment is pretty close, but the steering wheel is not centered.
Like above, I think the bowed tube is fine until you align it for other reasons.
You might be able to give each side about 1/2 turn to try to center the wheel.
Be careful to turn them in the right direction - both tires moving in the same direction.

Good luck

Jun 28, 2006 | 01:44 PM

mkflanagan

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2006

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From: McDonough Georgia

Straight.Replace it.They're cheap.Then get an alignment

Jun 28, 2006 | 01:52 PM

I'm Batman

Team Owner

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

It should be straight. VB&P sells some very nice and much stronger replacements for a reasonable price.

Jun 29, 2006 | 09:16 AM

VT-tuna

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Picked up a new one from zip yesterday and will install today. The alignment is definately out. Looks like the left side (bent side) is toed out which makes since for bent (ie shorter) tube and wheel off to the left. Will rough align and then go to shop for a real alignment. Thanks for the help.