Posted By |
Discussion Topic:
Tie Rods
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MG |
09-24-2013 @ 12:43 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1254
Joined: Nov 2009
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I see that many of the replacement tie rods being made today are solid steel as opposed to tubular steel. I was told by a 'front end' guy I know that the original tubular tie rods are more durable/stronger than the solid steel type. Your thoughts please.....
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51f1 |
09-24-2013 @ 5:09 PM
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Senior
Posts: 573
Joined: Oct 2009
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If it's the same grade steel and the same diameter, the solid tie rod would be just as strong, but it will be heavier. The real strength of any rod is in the outer diameter, which is why they could use a tube to reduce unsprung weight. Richard
This message was edited by 51f1 on 9-27-13 @ 6:48 AM
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supereal |
09-24-2013 @ 8:37 PM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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Most front end parts are now being made of lighter materials for two reasons, to reduce unsprung weight to improve handling and ride and, of course, to save money. However, we are seeing lots of bad front ends at our shop, some only a few years old. Even our 2007 shop truck needed a front end overhaul. Part is due to the elimination of grease fittings, the rest is because of poor engineering.
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JM |
09-25-2013 @ 6:25 AM
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Senior
Posts: 822
Joined: Oct 2009
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Another big factor for front end damage is the deteriorating roads we are driving on and at speeds faster than we should be traveling.
John
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woodiewagon46 |
09-26-2013 @ 10:45 AM
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Senior
Posts: 698
Joined: Nov 2012
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MG, I have had two two tie rod ends fail in different locations in the last two years. The first made it almost impossible to steer the car and the second had a bind where you would get to a point and it got real tight and then would free up. Both were from a major supplier we all use and both were from CHINA. I found that NAPA sells tie rod ends that are made in the USA and also have grease fittings installed. The NAPA part numbers are, 269 2240 NCP, 11/16"-18 RH threads, and 269 2241 NCP, 11/16"- 18 LH threads, . I changed mine and have had no problems with my '46 Ford.
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42merc |
09-26-2013 @ 12:12 PM
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New Member
Posts: 126
Joined: Dec 2010
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Just amazing, four replies to the question and only one answered the question.
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MG |
09-26-2013 @ 2:25 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1254
Joined: Nov 2009
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@42merc - it's refreshing that you noticed.....MG
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