Inner tie rod end test

On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:23:12 -0700 (PDT), zzyzzx
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I saw this test for them posted on Youtube:
>
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MkaagWF8ws
>
>And I was wondering if you think that the inner tie rod test is
>valid. Seems to be like you would really need some in and out play
>for it to be bad. For all I know they are only showing one that's
>broken in. But I'm no expert on thes things. Any comments?


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.

On Jul 17, 10:23 am, zzyzzx <[email protected]> wrote:
> I saw this test for them posted on Youtube:
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MkaagWF8ws
>
> And I was wondering if you think that the inner tie rod test is
> valid. Seems to be like you would really need some in and out play
> for it to be bad. For all I know they are only showing one that's
> broken in. But I'm no expert on thes things. Any comments?


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