Question about the outer tie rods, how are these installed?

Post by **oragex** » 20 Dec 2017, 13:32

Noticed on my car, as well as on other S60's out there, the tie rod is attached to the hub (spindle) with the ball joint underneath and the nut above. Is this the correct original position? If the nut breaks loose, the tie rod will simply drop from there and no more steering. The tie rod also has a strange bend on it, like it was supposed to be installed the other way around so the bend keep the tie rod away from the sway bar end link.

Wasn't it supposed to insert from above into the hub ? (and the nut to go underneath).

Post by **abscate** » 20 Dec 2017, 16:27

Thats correct. If the nut is torqued correctly, it won't come loose. The taper on the tie rod end also generates a lot of friction so this assembly does not loosen easily.

Post by **oragex** » 20 Dec 2017, 19:19

Got it. I just hoped it was a fail safe design. I know myself I'll torque it right to 70nm (50ft.lbs) but still. The old S70/850 got it right, not sure why Volvo changed this, I mean it's pretty basic. A cheap place mechanic may forget to tighten the bolt and someone will have a surprise driving.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Dec 2017, 19:52

The shock and up/down would separate the downward facing tie rod end pretty quick too, if the nut fell off.

Forgetting to fasten suspension stuff would be gross negligence to someone in the trade, kind if like an HVAC guy leaving a gas fitting loose

By the way, 70 Nm is correct torque but you know that requires a new nut, right? I'm assuming your S60 is using the same P2 steering knuckle as my V70

Post by **oragex** » 21 Dec 2017, 06:50

Didn't know about single use nut, I wonder if this is still true for the aftermarket tie rods? On another forum someone mentioned Volvo put an "oval" single use nut (same design as the top strut nut), yet the ones on my car were simple round nuts. Interesting point.

jbeebo · Post by **jbeebo** » 21 Dec 2017, 13:42

The spindle has a 60deg taper machined into the bottom, which aligns the outer tie-rod end. I.e. these can only be installed one way, you can't flip them side for side and upside down - won't fit.

The nut is single use because it's a prevailing torque type. It is a high quality forged nut which is cold-headed and machined as usual, but then the nut is compressed to ovalize the threadform, thus creating a friction fit to the male threads on the tie rod. You'll need an open ended wrench to hold the tie rod threaded shaft as you spin this nut home (8mm I think?). Use a (ratcheting) wrench on the nut. Once it's seated and you've got some torque on it, a typical torque wrench / socket will finish to the correct torque. If torqued adequately, this nut will not loosen or fall off.

The bend in the tie rod is there for tire clearance at full lock.

Post by **chrism** » 22 Dec 2017, 10:22

I think the tie rod is bent the way it is so that the tire doesn't rub when the wheel is turned full lock.