Tie rod end question?
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Dandridge TN
Tie rod end question?
On the outer tie rod ends, which holes on the steering knuckle bracket, (don't know the correct name for this), do the ends fit into? Is it the front holes or the back holes? When I took the car apart I can't remember which holes I took them out of. The car is a 69 vert 350/350 w/power steering. Can someone tell me what the difference is? Thanks in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: PA
Re: Tie rod end question?
Steve,
The two sets of holes in the steering arm determine the steering ratio.
For a car originally equipped with power steering, the outer tie rod ends should attach to the forward holes. In addition, the rear holes on power steering equipped Corvettes were originally filled with aluminum plugs (which often came out or were removed) to prevent someone from attempting to attach the tie rods to the rear holes. I believe that the service manual warns against attempting to use the slower ratio (rear) holes with power steering.
On manual steering cars, the tie rods were attached to the rear holes (I have yet to see an original car with any type of plug in the front holes). The factory service manual advised that the tie rods could be moved to the front to quicken the steering ratio if the owner so desired... With the accompanying increase in steering effort.
Regards,
The two sets of holes in the steering arm determine the steering ratio.
For a car originally equipped with power steering, the outer tie rod ends should attach to the forward holes. In addition, the rear holes on power steering equipped Corvettes were originally filled with aluminum plugs (which often came out or were removed) to prevent someone from attempting to attach the tie rods to the rear holes. I believe that the service manual warns against attempting to use the slower ratio (rear) holes with power steering.
On manual steering cars, the tie rods were attached to the rear holes (I have yet to see an original car with any type of plug in the front holes). The factory service manual advised that the tie rods could be moved to the front to quicken the steering ratio if the owner so desired... With the accompanying increase in steering effort.
Regards,
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Re: Tie rod end question? (Rowdy Rat)
What he said.
Also, if you didn't adjust the tie rods at all, you'll notice a big difference in toe when you put them back in if you put them in the wrong holes. The steer arm holes are not the same distance from the centerline of the car.
Dave
Also, if you didn't adjust the tie rods at all, you'll notice a big difference in toe when you put them back in if you put them in the wrong holes. The steer arm holes are not the same distance from the centerline of the car.
Dave
