Inner Tie Rod Ball Joint

An inner tie rod end cut open to expose the ball joint.

Inner tie rod ball joint.

Tighten and torque the ball joint and tie rod end components to the manufacturers specified torque ratings which can be found with some research. The ball and socket joint has been used on vehicles since the turn of the century but just like our hip joints ball and socket joints ball joints tie rods and sway bar links wear out. It is the final pivot point initiating the wheel to turn. The ball joint and suspension system can perform that function independently of the steering system and tie rod ends.

When the outer tie rod end allows the wheel play it acts as a hammer and chisel slowing destroying the inner tie rod end ball in socket. The steering knuckle is attached to the outer tie rod. On cars or trucks with a steering gearbox the vehicle will be lifted and the wheel in question will be removed before turning the steering wheel the complete other direction. From the center of the vehicle it is located farther out than the inner rod and is accordingly named outer tie rod.

Trw sets the standard within the aftermarket with tests that go beyond the ordinary to ensure every chassis part we produce meets stringent vehicle manufacturer quality standards in line with the original equipment specification. They are used on virtually every automobile made 1 and work similarly to the ball and socket design of the human hip joint. We locked the tie rod end into place using the lock nut and manufacturer s torque rating. Your vehicle s ball joint allows for movement in every direction as your suspension compresses and rebounds while your tie rod ends essentially turn your wheels.

In this video i show you my best method and practices i have honed in over my 10 plus years of servicing automobiles. The outer tie rod is what turns the wheel. In an automobile ball joints are spherical bearings that connect the control arms to the steering knuckles. Ball joints and tie rod ends are vital to your steering system so you need to maintain them with the utmost care.

Orion motor tech 5 in 1 ball joint separator pitman arm puller tie rod end tool set for front end service splitter removal kit by orion motor tech 49 99 49. Oem or suspension manufacturer recommended procedure for inspecting a ball type joint rarely involves a pry bar and almost never involves a set of pliers. However the tie rod needs the ball joint to support the weight of the vehicle and at the same time allow the front wheels the ability to pivot left and right. How is a tie rod replaced.