Spicer Tie Rod Inspection Procedure User Manual

Spicer

®

Tie Rod

Inspection Procedure

1. The threaded portion of each tie rod end must
be inserted completely in the cross tube split.
This is essential for adequate clamping.
Replace components if this fit cannot be
obtained.

Correct Position

The tie rod end must be installed so that the
threaded end is past the slot in the cross tube.

Incorrect Position

Space

3. Make sure the tie rod end boot is not
damaged. Inspect for cuts or tears. If there is
damage to the boot, replace the tie rod end.

Cut in tie rod end boot

4. Make sure the tie rod nut is torqued to the
proper specification and the cotter pin is
correctly installed. If the cotter pin is missing,
the tie rod nut could become loose and
steering will be affected.

5. Proper positioning of the clamp relative to
beam and correct orientation of the nut and
bolt are required to ensure clearance at high
wheel cut.

The threads of the tie rod end must travel past the
end of the cross tube slot. It is unsafe to release a
vehicle with this condition.

2. If the cross tube or clamps are bent, cracked
or damaged, replace if necessary. Do not
attempt to repair a cross tube as this could
result in damage to the steer axle.

Nut Faces
Down

Correct Clamp orientation, Bolt faces rear of vehicle.

Spicer

®

Tie Rod Inspection Procedure

6. To protect the cross tube, use only your
hands or a pipe wrench with jaw protectors to
rotate the cross tube.

7. Where zerk fittings are necessary, make sure
they are installed correctly.

8. Park the vehicle with the wheels in the “straigh

.

ahead” position, then turn the vehi

9. Place Blocks in front of and behind the front an
rear tires to prevent the vehicle from moving.

10. There are two separate methods that can be
used to check the degree of movement in the
tie rod end:

Caution: Do not use a pry bar or other
mechanical method on the steering linkage.
This could result in damage to the tie rod
end and/or create a false indication of wear.

a. To check axial ( up and down) movement, set

the dial indicator so that the base of the
indicator is on the tie rod arm. Then, place
the tip of the indicator on the
rod end at an area that is most flat.

cle off

om of the tie

bott

b. To check radial (back and forth) movement,

set the dial indicator so that the base of the
indicator is on the tie rod arm. Then, place
the tip of the indicator socket at the tie rod
end. Be sure to position the indicator so that it
is in line with the direction of movement.

t

d

11. Set the dial indicator to zero.

12. Again, move the cross tube assembly by hand
up and down or back and forth, depending on
which direction you are checking for
movement. If the indicator reads .060” or

the tie rod end immediately.

more, repla
If the indicator reading is above .030”, it
should be replaced at the next service
interval.

ce

Caution: Do not remove the tie rod end from

the the tie rod arm to check for ball rotation
torque. This may damage the seal if a removal
tool is used. Additionally, the tie rod end seal
can cause a false indication of internal torque.

13. Repeat Steps 10 through 12 for the other tie
rod ends.

Note: When one tie rod end requires
replacement, it is recommended to replace both
to allow for even wear on both sides of the
vehicle.

For spec‘ing or service assistance, call 1-877-777-5360 or visit our website at www.dana.com

Dana Commercial Vehicle Products Group

3939 Technology Drive
Maumee, Ohio, USA 43537

www.dana.com

All applications must be approved by the Application Engineering Department. Specifications and/or design are subject to change without notice or obligation. Printed in USA AXWP-0403 06/04