Quick Tie Rod Question

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Jul 2, 2014 | 05:09 PM

Great Danes

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From: Ontario, Canada

Quick Tie Rod Question

OK, so I was installing my new PMF Dual Steering Stabilizer on the weekend and everything went great. The results are very noticeable and I can't understand why I always wait so long to install upgrades that have been proven by fellow members...

Anyway, while attaching the ends of the stabilizers to the tie rod ends, i noticed some play in the tie rod ends. Now I don't know what is normal and what is considered worn out and needing replacement. I am due to leave for a cross country trip with the camper and want to know if this is something I should deal with now (covered under warranty) or if it is normal and I should not worry about it.

I have a video of the concern in question:

Thanks.

Jul 2, 2014 | 05:38 PM

Blapensee

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i would say normal. i just put on a rough country dual stabilizer and my tie rod does the same thing. if you've ever adjusted the steering link before it does the same thing

Jul 2, 2014 | 05:44 PM

rtazz17

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From: Connecticut

Without feeling it for myself I would say normal as well.Ive replaced these on a couple super dutys and that appears normal to me.

Jul 2, 2014 | 05:58 PM

720Deere

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From: Maryland

Perfectly normal from my experience. Tie-rod ends have always had a little bit of rotational movement. The way to check them for actual wear is to have somebody move the steering wheel back and forth while you watch for movement.

Jul 2, 2014 | 07:50 PM

Great Danes

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Thanks gang. I really appreciate the quick replies... gives me one less thing to worry about before my trip.

Now I just need to get used to the noise the tie rod makes as it hits the stabilizer bracket on some of the bigger bumps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 720Deere

The way to check them for actual wear is to have somebody move the steering wheel back and forth while you watch for movement.

I did this and there is no side to side movement.

Jul 3, 2014 | 09:19 AM

rtazz17

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by Great Danes

Thanks gang. I really appreciate the quick replies... gives me one less thing to worry about before my trip.

Now I just need to get used to the noise the tie rod makes as it hits the stabilizer bracket on some of the bigger bumps.

I did this and there is no side to side movement.

I was going to ask if the stabs hit at all.From your video it appeared you did not have any lift installed.I changed my oem stab out for a single bilstein stab as I was afraid of the duals hitting and Im not lifted.

Jul 4, 2014 | 07:56 AM

Great Danes

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From: Ontario, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtazz17

You are correct in that my truck is not lifted in any way. The PMF stabilizer kit allows for stock height trucks. I have been keeping an eye on everything and there is no evidence of the stabilizers hitting anything. My main concern was the passenger side as there is only a small bit of clearance (about 1") above the stabilizer bracket before it would hit another component.

The only thing I have noticed is that the Tie rod will hit the center stabilizer bracket when it flexes over some big bumps as the gap is only about 3/8" between them.