Outer Tie Rods & Alignment

ericmci · Post by **ericmci** » Wed May 27, 2020 7:29 am

Hello,

I recently did some front end suspension work which included replacing the outer tie rod ends.
I tried to use jam nut placement and counting threads but I believe I got distracted with the passengers side and might have miscounted a 1-2-full turn.
I believe that as long as it is fairly close that an alignment will correct this?
If so, how does this work. does the shop re-thread the tie rod ends with a more precise measurement?

Thanks!

-Eric

Post by **bmdubya1198** » Wed May 27, 2020 9:11 am

An alignment will correct that. When you adjust the tie rods on the car, every little turn makes an adjustment. It doesn't have to be a complete turn of the tie rod. How that works is the inner tie rod spins on its ball joint, so they won't pop out the outer tie rod and spin it a complete turn to make the adjustments.

ericmci · Post by **ericmci** » Wed May 27, 2020 9:17 am

That makes sense, with every turn making an adjustment.
So as long as it installed reasonably close I'm good.
I guess what I still don't understand is how exactly the alignment works.
Are the tie rod ends physically re-positioned- i.e. re-threaded or something else.

Thanks Again.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » Wed May 27, 2020 9:27 am

Each minute turn is an adjustment. So with everything installed, you crack the jam nut loose, and turn the inner tie rod while counter holding the outer. The inner can spin on its ball joint, so it's not a matter of each complete turn making the adjustment, every little movement is adjusting the alignment.
Here's a video to see how it's done:

ericmci · Post by **ericmci** » Wed May 27, 2020 9:49 am

Huh,
I didn't realize the inner was involved in an alignment I always assumed the was set and the adjustment was made with the outer.

My wheel is of center and I feel a bit of a pull to the right but it's fairly close as is.
I don't have the space to do the alignment at the moment- but a shop should easily be able to put it right.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » Wed May 27, 2020 10:32 am

A shop should be able to get it right for you pretty quickly. That will eliminate the pull and steering wheel misalignment.

Post by **volvolugnut** » Wed May 27, 2020 12:26 pm

If you can feel some steering pull, your tires will wear quickly. Try to get aligned soon.
volvolugnut

ericmci · Post by **ericmci** » Wed May 27, 2020 3:17 pm

I have only been driving short distances with *things* as they are lately not very often. The tires still look good.
In the next few weeks I am doing the rear suspension as well- springs- shocks- delta links -end links with new hardware.
And then I'll bring it in for a four wheel alignment.
The car is going to drive like new!
I appreciate everyone's help.
This place is always the best.