worn tie rods

[moray]

the tie rods on my car are both worn where they have been rubbing on the chassis.

Do they need replacing, or will they be ok with new bushes ?[frame][/frame]

[jonathon]

Replace them both and fit Poly bushes at the same time. Take the oportunity to set up the front end geometry as these tie bars determine the caster angle.

[bmcecosse]

They are not so worn as to be dangerous - but they will be sloppy in the new bushes. You could build them up with a 'buttering' layer of weld - and then file then round again if want to save a few pounds.

[jonathon]

I think with the wear in these rods, there will be similar wear to the hole in the tie bar bracket. Its crucial that the bushes are touching in this area to eliminate this problem.
Check the bracket, if worn then washers are available to weld into place. Any undersizing of this rod or opening of the mounting will lead to a clunky front end. Check too the fixings at the opposite end of the bar where fitted to the lower suspension arms.
The uprated Tie bar below uses EN16T steel for strength and is fully adjustable to achieve the correct front end geometry. It has correctly rated Poly Bushes which have an in built design so that they cannot crush beyond their working tollerances.

[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Good point about the hole in the bracket - may be worn. These tie-bars look nice, although they must add to the unsprung weight! I wonder where one can buy them.......

[Peetee]

I wonder where one can buy them.......

Just
Look
Hard.

[bmcecosse]

Ahh yes - thanks for that! Found them at last
http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/store/ ... ductId=161

Very surprised they don't sell 'longer' eye bolts - to add some negative camber to the front suspension - without the securing nut coming off the end of the thread....... Now that would be a useful part. Hint hint...............

[jonathon]

I think an adjustable version would be more useful, no need for spacers, simply adjust to give the correct/desired camber.
Sleeved in stainless steel. so that wear can simply mean a new set of linings rather than a complete bolt assembly.

[bmcecosse]

Ohh - that is a good idea. I wonder if such a thing exists - or will be available soon ? I suppose a largish Rose Joint screwed into a modified version of an eye bolt could be used........Would probably be ubber 'harsh' for a road car!

[jonathon]

A rose joint would, but the correct Superflex bush would be fine and dandy !

[moray]

Thanks guys.

I will try and source a decent 2nd hand pair.
I have had one chassis rail replaced, but the tie bar bracket on the other one has become egg shaped.
I like the washer idea, it should be easy enough to remove and replace the old ones.

the JLH one's look nice, but with the exchange rate to the Aussie dollar and shipping they are just to expensive compared to good set of 2nd hand ones.

cheers
Moray