Hi, I'm Ryan with
Truck Spring.com.,
and in this video,
I want to talk to you
about tie rods ends.
Tie rod ends are an important
steering component
on every vehicle
and especially on
heavy duty trucks.
They're a common wear item
and they will see replacement
more frequently than other parts.
Tie rod ends work
as a ball and socket
joint with the taper
being the ball
and the body being a socket.
A layer of grease cushions them
and it should be replenished
every time the truck is serviced.
When trucks aren't
serviced properly
and these aren't re-greased,
wear will happen
between the ball and socket.
Movement should be
free back and forth,
but any movement
axially up and down
will be grounds for immediate
replacement of the tie rod end.
When tie rods are worn
and need replacement,
parts can be found
using OEM cross-references.
It's not always easy
to get OEM
numbers from the dealer
so many times tie
rod ends will be replaced
using measurements.
Measurements are not difficult,
but the tie rod end
does need to be removed
first before you start.
Once the tie rod end is removed,
the first measurement
will be center to end.
Center refers to the
location of the grease
zirc and end is the
end of the threads.
Using a measuring tape
it would be measured like this.
The next measurement
is height of taper.
Height of taper is measured
from the center in this direction
to the smallest portion
of the taper here.
This center
is actually the center
of the threaded portion.
You would measure that like this.
Next will be minor
and major taper.
Minor taper
is the smallest diameter
of this section
and major is the largest
to find the major taper
most of the time,
you'll have to pull the boot
down to expose it.
These should be measured
with a set of calipers.
The next measurement
would be taper length.
While you have the boot
pulled down,
the length of the taper
from the major to the minor
should be measured,
also with a set of calipers
just because it's easier.
Next, you'll measure stud thread.
This is the size of the nut
that secures the tie rod end,
and that can be measured
with the calipers
as well on the outer diameter.
In some cases,
the threads will be different
lengths on these tie rod ends
so you'll also want to measure
the length of thread
and while you have the
calipers out as easy
to use for that as well.
Not all tie
ends are created equal.
Some special applications
will call for a drop
or a raised tie right end.
This is normally for clearance
on vocational vehicles.
This example is a dropped
tie rod end,
with the ball and
socket joint below
the centerline of
the tie rod tube.
When measuring for the drop
you'll measure
from the centerline
of the tire tube
to the center of the ball
and socket joint.
We'll draw an imaginary line
so you can see the center
of the tie rod tube
and it would be measured
like this.
A final measurement
should be taken of
the diameter of the threads
to ensure
that they will interface
with the tie rod tube.
Not only the thread diameter,
but the thread direction
should be accounted for
because opposite side
tie rod ends will be
threaded oppositely
so adjustments can be done
when the truck is aligned.
After replacement of the tie
rod end is complete
an alignment should
be done on the truck.
This will prevent tire wear
and other issues
that could arise
from this alignment.
Thank you for watching.
I hope this is explained
a little bit about tie
rod ends that you didn't know
and helped you
with identification
on your own replacements
If you still need help
feel free to comment
below on the video
or reach out to us
at Truck Spring.com.