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Offline bezerk1

Bent Tie Rod
« on: December 08, 2016, 09:54:11 AM »
I had an incident on my last excursion.  I was climbing a steep tight twisty hill when I zigged instead of zagged.  The left front wheel hooked a sappling and pushed the right rear out into a tree.  The damage was one bent tie rod and a right rear fender.  The fender just needs to be re attached.  I performed CPR on the tie rod but it was too late.  Luckily I was only about 3 miles from the shop. 

Over the next week I ordered a tie rod from Alpha Sports.  It only took 2 days and $146 for it to arrive at my house.  I jacked the machine up and removed the tire.  Next the cotter pin and castle nut.  A sharp blow from a hammer popped the tie rod end out of the steering knuckle.  I pulled the boot off of the steering rack and used a 34 millimeter wrench to loosen it from the rack.  There was a bushing loose in the steering rack.  Several other posters have mentioned that this is normal. 

I did find that the steering rack did not have much grease in it.  When I get time to re assemble I am going to liberally pack it with grease.  I'll pump a whole tube into it if I have to.  I'll post more pictures when I get time to re assemble it.
« Last Edit: December 08, 2016, 09:59:39 AM by bezerk1 »
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Offline REDRIDER

Re: Bent Tie Rod
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2016, 10:08:22 AM »
wow... $146??? I can make one so easily... Guess that's what I'll be doing if I damage one.
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Offline bezerk1

Re: Bent Tie Rod
« Reply #2 on: December 08, 2016, 10:13:04 AM »
The tie rod isn't just a threaded tube.  One end has a standard tie rod end, the other has a threaded rod end that screws directly into the rack.  It is only availiable as an entire assembly with a tie rod end and a boot.  I'm guessing that is why aftermarket ones are not available yet.
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Offline NMKawierider

Re: Bent Tie Rod
« Reply #3 on: December 08, 2016, 12:38:58 PM »
Now would be a good time to set the toe. I found mine to be well over 1/2" which not only is way too much, but it also made it sluggish steering off of straight. Much more responsive now that it's 2/32"
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2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS
Custom Air Intakes | Custom Exhaust Mod | SuperATV Harness | Custom Fenders | Custom Skid/Rock Sliders | 27" GBC Grim Reapers | Seizmik Mirrors |Конструктор Doors | Dr Pulley Sliders | 1.5" Wheel Spacers | BENZ Silencer (as needed) | SATV Flip Windshield W\ Rear Shield | Dual Light Bars | Diamond Plate Storage |7- 9.7" GPS Systems | Bandit Springs Rear & Gen-3 Shocks Front | Cage Chop Mod

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Offline REDRIDER

Re: Bent Tie Rod
« Reply #4 on: December 08, 2016, 01:57:26 PM »
Quote from: bezerk1 on December 08, 2016, 10:13:04 AM
The tie rod isn't just a threaded tube.  One end has a standard tie rod end, the other has a threaded rod end that screws directly into the rack.  It is only availiable as an entire assembly with a tie rod end and a boot.  I'm guessing that is why aftermarket ones are not available yet.
It is still easy to make out of a steel rod, mill one end down to make threads to thread into the rack, drill the other side and tap for the tie rod end, mill a couple flat spots for the wrench done.
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