Car tie rod

In motor cars track rod connects the steering knuckle and the steering arm. In trucks and tractors often is used only one track rod, while in cars is used a system consisting of two parts. Track rods are used only for steering axle that is as a rule for the front axle. Track rod is a simple metal rod. Its length can be adjusted using a lock nut.

If the car badly holds the road, the cause may be incorrectly adjusted steering rod. Diagnostics is very simple: if there is no directional stability and the car moves to the left or to the right, an adjustment is necessary. The cause of directional instability of the car may be a mechanical shock against a kerb, for instance. Because of an accident the track rod can bend. In this case it should be replaced. There is no reason for concern if the skid is little. If the damage is serious, you need to drive to the service station without delay.

Repair and adjustment of the track rod should be done only at service stations. There is necessary equipment quickly and accurately to adjust the track rod. It is not difficult to adjust the rod, but let the technicians to do this. You can by necessary car parts at low prices in our online store. There is a great variety of car parts: wheel hubs, bearings, brake shoes, stub axles, steering pump, brake booster, oil and fuel filters, side doors, for instance. Our prices are reasonable and the car parts are of the highest quality. Visit our online store today, which has an easy-to-use search function.

How to detect a faulty Track rod

Steering linkage should be diagnosed at a service station, or by yourself with an assistant. Initial diagnostics of the component consists in checking integrity of its protective cover, joints and ends. The vehicle is lifted on a car lift, and the component is inspected. It should not have cracks and other damages.

If no visual symptoms of wear are detected, the next stage of testing is started. You will need an assistant. One person has to rotate the steering wheel, and the second person should monitor behavior of the tie rod from the pit. A properly functioning component will move smoothly and quietly, a defective one will produce extraneous sounds. At this stage, it is necessary to check the size of the gap in the ball joint. The allowed gap is 2 mm.

You may notice that the tie rod requires diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• no wheels reaction to the steering wheel;
• the vehicle tilts during braking, or when cornering;
• knocks in the area of the component;
• unusual sounds during acceleration, braking, and when driving on poor quality roads;
• holding the steering wheel for a long time in the same position when cornering is accompanied by wheels vibration.

The reasons of tie rod malfunctions

The reason of mechanical damage of the tie rod is aggressive driving style, particularly, systematic hitting potholes at high speed.

Common faults are component wear or fouling of joints. The reason may be poor quality of the component, and the use of poor quality lubricants, or lack of lubricants. The surface of the tie rod end stud may be damaged due to incorrect installation.

Corrosion of the Track rod is caused by loss of integrity of the protective cover, and ingress of dirt and water inside the joint.

Repairing and replacing the Steering linkage

During tie rod repair, dust boots and damaged Track rod ends are also to be replaced, since they are not subject to repair.

During replacement, follow the below procedure:

• engage the parking brake;
• put wedges under rear wheels;
• lift the vehicle with a jack;
• extract the lock pin, then unscrew the fastening nut of the Track rod ;
• press out the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle arm;
• unbend ends of the locking plate;
• replace the component;
• repeat all steps in the reverse order.