subject: Why Should You Not Let Your Track Rod Ends Hang Loose? [print this page] Do you feel like your cars front wheels are having excess movements? Experiencing steering looseness? Then maybe you have a worn track rod end. A worn or loose tie rod end can mean danger down the road so it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with it. What are tie rod ends you may ask?
Track Rod Ends What are they?
In other parts of the globe, track rod ends are commonly called as tie rods. But in the UK, we refer to it as a track rod. Unlike other car parts, track rod ends are not that fascinating to look at. BUT they are an equally important part of your cars steering mechanism. Track rod ends (TREs) are an extension of the steering rack assembly and are connected to the steering knuckle.
How do they function?
As a ball-in-socket mechanism, track rod ends are responsible for allowing the vehicle to move up and down and side to side. This is vital because vehicles usually drive along different types of road surfaces, potholes, speed bumps and the likes.
TREs steer your front wheels and keep it stable by transmitting force from the steering center link or the rack gear to the steering knuckle. The outer tie rod end connects with an adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of the tie rod to be adjustable. This adjustment is used to set a vehicles alignment angle.
Track Rod End Wear
Since track rods bear a lot of your cars movements, it is susceptible to wear, most especially if it does not receive proper maintenance. Hazards on the road like poorly designed speed bumps, potholes and the likes can shorten the life of your vehicles track rod. In Britain, speed bumps are actually a hot topic among vehicle owners as they claim these speed bumps are causing considerable damages among vehicles.
It is especially perilous to drive with a loose or worn tie rod end, most especially if your wheel alignment is off. If your track rod is out of whack, you will end up having a poor steering response or a worn tire and can eventually send your car out of control!
Prevention
Another factor that can lead to a worn track rod is the lack of lubrication. This is why it is imperative that you keep them properly lubricated. It is also advisable that your vehicles steering and suspension systems are checked regularly, at least once a year along with a complete wheel alignment. But why would I need a wheel alignment you would ask. This is because your new track rod can affect
Do Not Let your TREs Hang Loose
For a seamless transmission and steering mechanism, it is vital to keep track of your track rod ends functionality.
By now, you are probably thinking of checking out or even replacing your track rod ends. You need heavy duty track rod ends that can carry rigor movements that your car may experience down the road. Find Quality ISO approved parts for your suspension such as Track rod ends, Shock Absorbers and Coil Springs at http://www.widaonline.co.uk/?name=pages&page=Steering_And_Suspension
