Words by Steve Fennell
Climbing steep, rocky grades where mountain goats dare to graze or running trails that would challenge even the toughest rigs are all part of the wheeling world. Despite your thrills in the backcountry, reliable and dependable steering linkage – including tie rod ends – can mean the difference between enjoying a day in the backcountry and a not so enjoyable one.
Even though they are one of the most vital points of a rig’s steering, tie rod ends aren’t something you commonly inspect every day, yet they are one of the key links for optimal control.
Brett Levin
The operation of a tie rod end is to allow the suspension to have more freedom and greater travel.
Toughness Counts
One of the more susceptible parts in a steering system, tie rod ends can easily become damaged over time as a result of frequently driving over rugged and tough-as-nails-terrain. So, when they break, it’s guaranteed you’ll be the first one to know, followed by those in another vehicle (or a tree) that you can potentially crash into.
“The operation of a tie rod end is to allow the suspension to have more freedom and greater travel,” says Bob Douglas, president of Rod End Supply of Olathe, KS. “However, under certain circumstances, if you have one that fails, it can definitely cause an accident.”
Douglas and his team have been designing, tooling and providing various parts support for hardcore wheelers and the 4x4 racing circuit for more than two decades. While they are not the only company to offer tie rod ends for the consumer market, its proven XM series is one that you just may want to consider with its ruggedness and reliability.
In speaking with Douglas, who at the time was attending the 2019 Knoxville Nationals in July, the XM Series tie rod ends are built tough. They are machined to a 4130-chrome polished steel body, use a 52-100 hard chrome bearing steel ball, and are precision-ground and heat treated for added reliability. They are also available in sizes ranging from three through to 16 and feature a 2.54 cm (1 in) hole with a 3.17 cm (1.25 in) thread to accommodate a range of 4X4 and overland rigs.
Dan Parkinson
The XM Series’ Tie Rod End
The XM Tie Rod Ends are just as unique as they are robust. For instance, they utilize what the company calls a nylon-based Red NylaFiber liner in the joint, rather than the common Teflon liner used by other manufacturers.
“Our Red NylaFiber works similar to Teflon liners in other rod ends,” says Douglas. “However, as Teflon liners are mated only between the ball and the body, grit and grime can more easily develop, and eventually force the ball out. It’s also made with infused fibreglass and lubricants. The NylaFiber is injected to effectively coat the whole body and won’t be able to be pounded out as there’s nowhere for the ball to go. Therefore, it’ll last much longer under stress or extreme angularity.”
To further offset extreme angularity in the tie rod end joint, Douglas explains the rod ends utilize stainless high misalignment spacers, which are precisely machined to fit into the hole of the rod end to accommodate a three-quarter bolt. This provides even more wheel travel as the spacers absorb all the stress and pressure from extreme movement. In addition to providing added longevity, users don’t have to change out the joint as often as they would with a Teflon line.
“With our XM series you don’t have to lubricate or clean it. You just put it on and forget about it until you see signs of replacing it,” says Douglas.
Install and Availability
When the time does come to replace a tie rod end, you’ll know it. Some sure signs include clicking sounds while turning or maneuvering, imprecise steering, or the ball feels loose in the body after a closer inspection.
While an install of a tie rod end is not exactly rocket science, it’s not for the faint of heart or the weekend, garage-based do-it-yourselfer either. In fact, it’s best to consult with your local auto repair shop for the most reliable results. The XM series is widely available across the U.S. and Canada or you can direct order from www.rodendsupply.com
Dan Parkinson