How to change the tie rod?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Tie rods are one of the elements of the steering drive in the car. However, these elements are very important. Any problems associated with them are dangerous. There is a risk that the steering wheel may fail while driving, and this is a direct path to an accident. It is necessary to think constantly about the state of the steering rods. If the first signs of a malfunction appear, do not ignore them. Timely replacement will help to avoid unpleasant situations. Depending on the design of the car, there may be several steering rods. Let's look at the symptoms of these elements and how to replace them.

Destination

Even if we take into account that for different cars this component part may have a different design, the essence of the steering gear will not change. The connection between the steering knuckle and the rack is carried out using hinged elements. When the bipod turns, the middle thrust moves to the right or left. The wheels can turn in the direction desired by the driver through the side rods.

Tie rods are also available in rack and pinion. Its main difference is that only two thrusts are used here. They are enough to make the wheels turn left or right. The tie rods interact with the steering knuckles, with little effort being applied by the driver.

Tip

The main element on the side rods is the hinge elements or tips. It is the tie rod end that is responsible for a reliable and high-quality connection. The hinge has the form of a hemispherical finger.

Because of their fragility, these elements are the most unreliable in the entire control system. Tips should only be replaced in their entirety. They cannot be restored.

Signs of malfunction

Among the main signs by which you can understand that the element should be replaced, there are several. If the traction on the car is faulty, then there will be a characteristic beating on the steering wheel, as well as vibration. This is noticeable at speeds over 30 kilometers per hour. Also, when driving, the driver will hear various knocks. Usually they come from the right side of the car. If the steering play has increased, which is especially felt when driving at high speeds, this is also one of the signs of a malfunction. If the stiffness of the steering wheel has appeared and you have to make serious efforts when driving, then you should check the traction. When the car spontaneously deviates from a straight course, this is alsoindicates a malfunction of this element.

If the car has at least one of the above signs of a malfunction, then it is worthwhile to diagnose the control and, if necessary, replace the failed elements in the system.

Diagnosis

To check the steering rods, it is not necessary to visit the service station. Primary diagnostics can be done by hand. When checking, pay special attention to the following important points.

Steering tips can move along the axis of the fingers, but not more than one and a half millimeters. Otherwise, the tip must be replaced. During the self-diagnosis of the control system, it is recommended to make sure that the coupling collar on the rod is tightened with sufficient force. Check how badly the anthers protecting the traction swivel are worn out. If there are cracks or tears, the boot must be replaced.

The most common and fairly typical steering gear failure is natural wear and damage to the tie rod joints. You won't need to visit services to find management issues. You just need to put your hands on the steering wheel and listen carefully to the car.

Experienced drivers will be able to immediately and accurately identify changes that lead to uncharacteristic and non-standard behavior.

If you turn the steering wheel while the car is stationary, the wheels should turn. If they stand still, then this is a sign of a malfunction. Also carefully check the boot.

Replacement Tools

To replace, a tie rod kit must already be purchased - it is better to change these parts in pairs. You should also buy tips for them. If they are not useful at the moment, they can be installed in the future. This is an opportunity to save money, because the prices of spare parts are constantly rising.

For the replacement process, you also need to prepare a tool. You will need: a jack, pliers, a set of keys, a tie rod puller, a liquid wrench, a screwdriver.

Replacement process

Before replacing the steering rod, it is necessary to install the car on a pit or on a lift in order to be able to manipulate the mechanism. Next, tighten the parking brake, block the steering wheel. Some people remove the negative terminal from the battery, but this is not so necessary.

Next, the car is jacked up, the wheels are removed. Unscrew the nuts on the steering tips. They usually turn sour and cannot be unscrewed without special lubricants. It is recommended to pour the nuts abundantly with a liquid wrench or warm them up well. Cotter pins can be installed on the latter - they must first be removed.

Next, install a puller to dismantle the tips. For the tool to be effective, it is necessary to strike the steering knuckle with a hammer. The nut on the puller is tightened. If the tip does not change its position, then you can hit again.

Then the tip is unscrewed from the sleeve. Dismantle the anther, then unscrew the thrust from the steering rack. This may be associated with certain difficulties, but everything is doable withavailability of the tool. Next, the hinge is lubricated with complete grease.

New tie rods install without any major effort or the need for a hammer. Depending on the size of the old and new rods, before the replacement procedure, you need to make a mark on the steering rack in order to easily get to the alignment stand.

In order not to go to the stand, it is necessary to count the revolutions that were needed to replace the steering tip. After the replacement work is completed, you should go for a test drive.

Checking and adjusting

In the process of testing the steering rods on the "VAZ" after replacement, there should be no play. Play can be no more than 15 degrees on the steering wheel. The course of the latter must be continuous both to the right and to the left. You also need to check if the steering wheel returns to a straight position after the car has turned.

Experts recommend doing the same check after 800 kilometers. But if there are problems, then adjustment is needed right now.

Conclusion

In fact, there is no difficulty in such a task as changing the steering rod. The only difficulties that a car owner may encounter are soured compounds. This is especially true when unscrewing the tips. Sometimes it can take several days to soak the "nasty" nut, heat it up faster and more efficiently. Then it will unscrew very quickly and without nerves. Difficulties canarise in the process of finding the right part. Sometimes manufacturers remove them from production, but you can always find high-quality analogues. You can pick up something in the market or in the store now.

Of course, it is better to visit the alignment stand immediately after the procedure. You should not completely rely on marks and counting the turns of the steering tip. The technician will make the necessary adjustments and the car will drive straight.