Broke an OEM tie rod today.

[Deleted member 995608]

This morning when I was pulling into the fire dept headquarters, the tie rod that attaches to the driver side knuckle snapped. It snapped on the tapered shaft.



I completely rebuilt the front end in the beginning of this summer- hubs bearings, ball joints, tie rods etc. All parts came from Napa except the tie rods which came from Dodge.



In an after thought, It really scares me to think what could have happened if It snapped going down the freeway. Even worse, yesterday, I pulled our 36' fifthwheel into to town for a detail; Lord only knows what would have happened.



Anyways, no one got hurt and all is well. Trying to back my truck into position for the tow truck was a futher mucker. I'd back up one foot and the wheel would jerk to one side. Grab a long pry bar, straighten the wheel and repeat the proccess. I eventually attached a ratchet strap to the knuckle and tied it to the opposite frame rail so I could travel backward in a straight line.



Be carefully guys and don't forget to check your equipment.

 

[AEdelheit]

When you upgrade it did you make sure both ends were parallel? That will cause issues if there not. Also they have more stress in parking lots, never heard of one break a speed, allways a low speed deal. Glad your ok!

 

[NIsaacs]

Be carefully guys and don't forget to check your equipment.

The heck of it is, this is not something you can see. It is also totally unacceptable. Every time is see this I am appalled. Even if somehow the alignment is off, due to us or Dodge, the ball stud should be strong enough to wear out the socket, not break.



Nick

 

[MLee]

If you recall there has been a bit of discussion on this subject with PICTURES. It mostly happens on a tight turn going right at a slow speed. How to tell if things might run-a-muck look to the angele the ball and the tie rod are in relashion to eash other. should be semetric. Dodge done a recall but they didn't really push it to hard. Facts was it was to go back to 03/04 I think. Search for the info its here. I know I put it here pictures. Along with other posters.

 

[AH64ID]

With all the winding river roads I drive (with and without the TT and/or family) this really scares me. I try not to think of it when on those roads!

I am doing a full front end service this winter and was planning on Dodge parts for the steering, maybe not!!

Who makes good tie-rod ends?

 

[Bob4x4]

The issue is misalignment as Arron stated above. Make sure the ends are aligned with each other Verify the lower surface of the left outer tie rod socket is parallel to the upper
surface of the left knuckle attaching arm. Rotate the left tie rod until the bottom of the tie rod socket is parallel to the
top of the left steering knuckle arm .
Tighten the tie rod adjuster sleeve clamp nuts to 45 ft. lbs. (61 N·m).
CAUTION: Failure to align the left tie rod end parallel to the steering
knuckle could cause tie rod end damage.

I have an app called clinometer on my phone that has a very accurate angle finder for doing this type of work and is quick to use.
.

 

[SierraRam]

I have put my upgraded steering through the test off roading, never have had any issues. I did make sure the the tie rod emds were parallel during the install.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have put my upgraded steering through the test off roading, never have had any issues. I did make sure the the tie rod emds were parallel during the install.

Same here,I have a high level of confidence in my steering linkage and have used it at very high rates of speed in the desert.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Forgot to mention that I do have the upgraded steering linkage and pitman arm too.

 

[brods]

It is a shame that Chrysler still feels it is not necessary to informs us that the right outer end is very different and it is this difference that ultimately causes the failures of the left rod end.



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