Car track rod end

Track rod end is a part of the track rod and belongs to the steering system of a vehicle. Track rod ends are spherical rod ends. They are located at each end of the track rod. Together with the track rod they are responsible for the steering wheels to keep the track. Wheels can not change the driving direction given by the steering system. Both spherical rod ends and track rod connect the steering point on the stub axle and on the tie rod arm. Usually in modern cars there are two track rods per axle and the tie rod arm is located between two axes.

Track rod ends are subject to stress. They are involved in any steering action and all the counteractions are directed to them. Track rod ends are subject to wear. Like the joints, in the course of time they fail. This becomes obvious when the pavement is bad or there is a slight vibration even when the steering runs at idle speed. It is necessary to check the track rod operation.

It is impossible to repair the failed track rod end. It is necessary to replace it. The track rod end is situated in a hard-to-get-at place. So, it is necessary to do this work in an inspection pit with a platform lift available. Moreover, after you replace the track rod end, it is necessary again to adjust the toe-in. In our online store you will find many other car parts, like condenser, air conditioner, injection valves or taillights.

How to detect a faulty tie rod end

To determine the condition of the component, check it for cracks using a flashlight. During inspection, special attention should be paid to the tie rod end seals. Also, check the joint for free play. To exactly assess the free play, the vehicle should be placed on the inspection pit. Otherwise, checking should be performed by two persons. While one person rotates the steering wheel in different directions, the other should watch the component to determine whether air is present in the joint.

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

• making u-turns became harder;
• driving on rough roads is accompanied by roar and screeching;
• the steering wheel vibrates excessively;
• steering wheel free play;
• the steering wheel is harder/easier to turn.

The reasons of the tie rod end malfunctions

The main reason of premature wear of the component is its poor quality. During its operation the component is subjected to intensive stresses with the impact of differently directed forces. The service life of the tie rod end is 40,000 km, but the aggressive driving style, low quality of the road, and failure to observe the maintenance schedule significantly reduce this figure.

Ball joints get rusted, and rubber inserts get deteriorated due to ruptured dust boot which protects them from moisture and dirt. This also results in lubrication washing out and abrasion of the joints.

The tie rod end insert is pressed to the spherical surface of the ball joint stud with a special spring. If the latter slackens, a gap occurs between the components.

The tie rod end deformation and damage of its thread are the result of improper installation, with excessive force applied.

Replacing tie rod end

Due to the fact that the components are installed separately, their replacement does not require dismantling the tie rod completely. If diagnostics shows that the component is damaged, it should be replaced. To replace it, perform the following:

• lift the vehicle, lock it in place at the front, and remove the wheel;
• loosen the self-locking nut on the to-be-replaced component on the steering knuckle arm;
• press out the component from the steering knuckle arm using a special puller, then unscrew the nut;
• loosen the lock nut on the end of the tie rod, using a wrench to hold the hexagon of the tie rod at the side of the gearbox;
• unscrew the component from the tie rod, counting the number of turns, which will facilitate further assembly;
• install the new tie rod end, doing the above steps in the reverse order.