Originally Posted by PhilipJCaputo
Big Time Poster
Don't Wait - Align the wheels once you are done
5-10 Grand Master
I just replaced and all I did was count exposed threads... i mean really, we're not talking THAT fine of adjustment... the tie rod can face down, so you only have so many pieces of thread... count thread before and after, i did, no problems.
Big, Big Time Poster
Erm.. When you adjust a tie rod, you don't do it in 360º increments because one end can 'only face down' - you loosen both clamps and turn the bar itself, the adjustment increment is infinite - counting threads is only a good way to get you 'almost' in the right place, but it's by no means whatsoever accurate. If you're just replacing one end; sure - but we're talking whole rods here.
Plus you're counting on the new rods being of the exact same length, and the new ends having identical threading, which is a bit much to ask for even an OE part.
Really, just pop the $50 for an alignment - it was probably out to begin with anyhow.
5-10 Grand Master
Erm.. When you adjust a tie rod, you don't do it in 360º increments because one end can 'only face down' - you loosen both clamps and turn the bar itself, the adjustment increment is infinite - counting threads is only a good way to get you 'almost' in the right place, but it's by no means whatsoever accurate. If you're just replacing one end; sure - but we're talking whole rods here.
Plus you're counting on the new rods being of the exact same length, and the new ends having identical threading, which is a bit much to ask for even an OE part.
Really, just pop the $50 for an alignment - it was probably out to begin with anyhow.
I will pop the $50 for an alignment, however i used a thread chaser and measured shaft length on new and old rod ends, both lemforder, and they were identical. i only replaced the one end of the tie rod joint, the one closest to the wheel. this, so i've seen on many cars, is the one most likely to fail. thus replacement is really not all that difficult. but, yes, i will be getting an alignment and balance anyhow.
Green Beret Special Ops
Mobius,
Your right about only being able to turn them in 360º incriments but after its close you turn the sleeve that does the fine adjustment.
Erm.. When you adjust a tie rod, you don't do it in 360º increments because one end can 'only face down' - you loosen both clamps and turn the bar itself, the adjustment increment is infinite - counting threads is only a good way to get you 'almost' in the right place, but it's by no means whatsoever accurate. If you're just replacing one end; sure - but we're talking whole rods here.
Plus you're counting on the new rods being of the exact same length, and the new ends having identical threading, which is a bit much to ask for even an OE part.
Really, just pop the $50 for an alignment - it was probably out to begin with anyhow.
95 E34 530I V2.37
===========
Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.
John F. Kennedy
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote