Tie Rods
 

I am able to rotate my tie rod about 20 degrees. Is that acceptable? If not, is there an adjustment that I can make or do I need to replace my tie rod ends?

Re: Tie Rods
 

IMO, 20° is nothing but if it bothers you, loosen one of the Tie-Rod End bolts and rotate the end on the tie-rod by about 10° in the opposite direction, and this should eliminate some of the rotation.

Re: Tie Rods
 

Clarification: The tie rod is rotating when both ends are bolted down. It is rotating on the piece that the tie rod end is attached to...

Re: Tie Rods
 

Joe, I'm not sure I still understand you. So that I am clear, I am going to break this down very elementary on a PDF. Please don't be offended as I am not trying to belittle you, but I want to make sure I understand so that I don't give you bad information.

The A-3281 Spindle Connecting Rod is what I think you are calling a Tie-Rod. This connects both Steering Arms which are bolted to the front Spindles. The A-3285 & A3286 are the Spindle Connecting Rod Ends, and threads onto the Connecting Rod. On each of the Connecting Rod Ends, there is a clamping bolt & nut that go thru the area that I have drawn an arrow in Blue. Are you saying that when this bolt is properly tightened, the Connecting rod still spins inside each Connecting Rod End?

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Re: Tie Rods
 

Brent, thanks for your patience.

I am able to tighten the connecting rod ends to both ends of the connecting rod. What I am saying is that, with the ends tightened and the system installed, I am able to rotate that rod by 20 +/- degrees when it is connected to the ball in the steering arms.

Re: Tie Rods
 

20 degrees is absolutely fine . Most of my cars are more than that . With good balls and rebuilt track rod ends with good rubbers and the trackrod ends are aligned with each other 20 degrees is what you get . I check my track rods with a vise grip and give a wiggle ,if I think too much rotation (more than say 30 degrees ) I screw in the slotted plug a turn each side no half turns so the wear pattern is not changed .

John in warm morning Suffolk County England .

Re: Tie Rods
 

Then let me ask, do you have the A-3332 Grease Retainer and the A-3333 Grease Retainer Caps installed??

Re: Tie Rods
 

Brent,

sorry for the delay in responding....computer issues.

Regarding you question: I am not sure what is in the tie rod end. I have not worked on the front end since purchasing the roadster 15 years ago. I plan, within the month, to "open her up" to see what I have there. I am expecting that I will need to rebuild the ends.

Thanks for you patience.