subject: The Tie Rod Ends That Are A Part Of Your Steering [print this page] Most tires that are sold today have bars integrated in the grooves. These bars are used to identify how far the treads have worn. If the bars are exposed, that means your tire has experienced wearing to the point that it should be replaced.
Many drivers are unaware these wear bars exist. In their defense, some wheels are not equipped with them. Fortunately, you can use a penny to easily determine whether the treads are worn too far. Stick a penny into the grooves with Abraham Lincoln's head turned upside down. If the top of his head becomes hidden, that's a sign your treads still have life in them. If you can see Lincoln's entire head, you need to buy replacements.
The tie rod ends that are a part of your steering linkage system can become worn over time. When they wear down, the toe can eventually become misaligned. This is also the case in the event the tie rod ends become bent.
In a rack and pinion system, the inner tie rod ends are hard to inspect because they're enclosed in plastic or rubber bellows. That said, you can test the steering by putting your vehicle in "park" and turning the steering wheel back and forth while a friend inspects the play. If there is looseness, that strongly suggests a problem with the toe alignment.
Service your vehicle. Make sure that you take your car in for that needed oil change before you hit the road. Be sure that you all of your fluids are full (check the oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant/antifreeze, etc.)
Check your cooling system. Unless you know a lot about cars, we suggest that you have professionals help you check the radiator, belts and hoses, coolant, cooling fans, water pump, and heater core.
Also check (or have someone else check) the tie rod ends, steering components, ball joints, refrigerant level, compressor clutch, etc. Check your wiper blades and battery, too.
Pack an emergency kit that includes: jumper cables, flashlight, first aid, flares, water, nonperishable food, extra washer fluid, basic tools, and anything else that you think you might need.
Packing for your trip and loading your car: be smart about it. You do not need to take your entire wardrobe for a weekend trip! The less you bring, the lighter your car will be, and the less gas you will use. Be sure that when you load your car you keep the driver's visibility clear (if it is not, perhaps you need to rethink the items that are really necessary to bring on your trip). Keep the items that you may need on top (like snacks, camera, etc.)
To improve this a spleen system was developed. This consists of the logs have a channel cut into the end of the log and a 2x4, down rod ends, or vinyl spleen being driven down into the hole. This is not a bad system. The room for error with a spleen is on the job site. When stacking the logs it is easy to forget put the spleen in before the next log row is assembled. And there is no way to go back and install it. Also there is time required for notching each log.
The very best form of log joinery is finger joints. These are cut at the mill, thus no extra cutting on the job site. Like skinny fingers reaching out to each other, the butt joint slide together like a glove. Also there is added strength to the joint. The west wind can blow, but the finger joinery will keep it on the outside.
