tie rods
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
tie rods
Overall, my tie rods are in decent shape. The only thing destroyed are the rubber boots.
I'm tempted to just buy new boots, regrease and reuse them but first I want to be sure I definitely do not need new ones.
How can I tell whether the tie rod ends are good and is it a good idea to re-boot and regrease OR should I really get new ones?
Pull on the threaded bolt and check for movement? Side to side movement at the base?
Thanks
I'm tempted to just buy new boots, regrease and reuse them but first I want to be sure I definitely do not need new ones.
How can I tell whether the tie rod ends are good and is it a good idea to re-boot and regrease OR should I really get new ones?
Pull on the threaded bolt and check for movement? Side to side movement at the base?
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
they're junk if:
1) when you jack one tire off the ground and move the wheel back and forth (like steering) and one or more of the joints move
2) if, when you move the steering wheel, not all of the joints actually move in unison.
in any case, it's hard to test them without substantial leverage, and it really helps to have a helper.
other tests - how does the car drive? do you have to herd it down the road? is the steering vague? are there easy and hard places when you turn the wheel?
1) when you jack one tire off the ground and move the wheel back and forth (like steering) and one or more of the joints move
2) if, when you move the steering wheel, not all of the joints actually move in unison.
in any case, it's hard to test them without substantial leverage, and it really helps to have a helper.
other tests - how does the car drive? do you have to herd it down the road? is the steering vague? are there easy and hard places when you turn the wheel?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
From the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual.
"Replacement of tie rod ends should be made when excessive up and down motion is evident or if any lost motion or end play at ball end of stud exists."
I seem to remember the GM mechanics pushing up and pulling down on the tie rod ends. Any detectable up and down motion was cause for replacing the tie rod end(s).
Jim
"Replacement of tie rod ends should be made when excessive up and down motion is evident or if any lost motion or end play at ball end of stud exists."
I seem to remember the GM mechanics pushing up and pulling down on the tie rod ends. Any detectable up and down motion was cause for replacing the tie rod end(s).
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
From the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual.
"Replacement of tie rod ends should be made when excessive up and down motion is evident or if any lost motion or end play at ball end of stud exists."
I seem to remember the GM mechanics pushing up and pulling down on the tie rod ends. Any detectable up and down motion was cause for replacing the tie rod end(s).
Jim
"Replacement of tie rod ends should be made when excessive up and down motion is evident or if any lost motion or end play at ball end of stud exists."
I seem to remember the GM mechanics pushing up and pulling down on the tie rod ends. Any detectable up and down motion was cause for replacing the tie rod end(s).
Jim
I did forget one bit - make sure the wheels are at ride height when you check ball joints (put your jack under the ball joint) - because different angles have different amounts of wear
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Control arms are already completely rebuilt.
I am cleaning up the steering components and was just wondering about the tie rod ends. Car is off the ground with wheels off. Tie rods are already off the car.
I think Ill just get new ones as they're not too expensive.
I am cleaning up the steering components and was just wondering about the tie rod ends. Car is off the ground with wheels off. Tie rods are already off the car.
I think Ill just get new ones as they're not too expensive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
That would be the safest bet - for myself, my rule of thumb is replace the joint if the boot is torn (unless I've torn it from having to remove it a few times).
also consider poly boots - they last better than rubber.
also consider poly boots - they last better than rubber.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 34
From: Working on the car NY
IMO, tie rods aren't that expensive and if the boots are gone, I'd say it wouldn't hurt to replace them - and yes, get the poly boots like said above. I'd stay away from cheap "kit" parts and get (even though they aren't as good as they use to be) Moog or maybe Raybestos parts.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
IMO, tie rods aren't that expensive and if the boots are gone, I'd say it wouldn't hurt to replace them - and yes, get the poly boots like said above. I'd stay away from cheap "kit" parts and get (even though they aren't as good as they use to be) Moog or maybe Raybestos parts.
TR's for our car are very cheap, even "name brand" ones.
If you are going to take apart anyways why not just install a new one and put some good grease in it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
Since you already have them off, just pull up and push down on the threaded part. You should have no up and down movement at all. Rotation in the socket is OK. They are designed to rotate.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Yep, thanks guys. Im ordering new ones. Also getting a new adjusting sleeves as I know from previous experiences how much of a b@tch it is to get the tie rod ends out of them (even with heat).
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ