Best way to check for bad tie rod/draglink ends?
03-14-2009, 06:13 PM
#1
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
Best way to check for bad tie rod/draglink ends?
I saw a mechanic put a pair of large channel lock pliers on the end of the tie rod and squeeze to check for play, is this a good way to check for play in tie rod and draglink ends?
03-14-2009, 06:21 PM
#2
NO! Run as fast as you can from that shop! That is an old trick to make people think their rod ends are bad. They are ALL spring loaded vertically and can be compressed with large channellocks. Here's how you can do the job yourself. Get a friend to "rock" the steering wheel back and forth to the point JUST before it makes the wheels move. Get under the Jeep and look at all the rod ends. If you see any slack of movement where the drag link and tie rod bolt to the rest of the linkage, you have a suspect. If not, you're fine. All this can be done without the Jeep running and the tires on the ground. Remember, the load on rod ends is not verticle, but lateral. It's this side to side movement you're looking for.....or NOT looking for. LOL
Last edited by RedneckJeep; 03-14-2009 at 06:24 PM.
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OnBelay (07-12-2018)
03-14-2009, 06:22 PM
#3
JK Enthusiast
None of the manufactures approve this method. You can always get them to move with pliers, even brand new ones. Apparantly this mechanic does not know how tie rod ends or drag link ends are made. They have a coiled spring below them that puts pressure towards the nut end. Worked in the automotive industry for over 40 years and this is a method dishonest mechanics and shops sell unneeded parts to the public. Best method and approved method is to use about 40 lbs. push and pull on them to see if they go in and out. This spring is stronger than that if a good spring. As to end play, someone needs to look at the ball joint as you wiggle the wheels back and forth with the wheels on the ground so you have resisitance. 
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OnBelay (07-12-2018)
03-14-2009, 06:23 PM
#4
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
NO! Run as fast as you can from that shop! That is an old trick to make people think their rod ends are bad. They are ALL spring loaded vertically and can be compressed with large channellocks. Here's how you can do the job yourself. Get a friend to "rock" the steering wheel back and forth to the point JUST before it makes the wheels move. Get under the Jeep and look at all the rod ends. If you see and slack of movement where the drag link and tie rod bolt to the rest of the linkage, you have a suspect. If not, you're fine. All this can be done without the Jeep running and the tires on the ground. Remember, the load on rod ends is not verticle, but lateral. It's this side to side movement you're looking for.....or NOT looking for. LOL
03-14-2009, 06:26 PM
#5
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
None of the manufactures approve this method. You can always get them to move with pliers, even brand new ones. Apparantly this mechanic does not know how tie rod ends or drag link ends are made. They have a coiled spring below them that puts pressure towards the nut end. Worked in the automotive industry for over 40 years and this is a method dishonest mechanics and shops sell unneeded parts to the public. Best method and approved method is to use about 40 lbs. push and pull on them to see if they go in and out. This spring is stronger than that if a good spring. As to end play, someone needs to look at the ball joint as you wiggle the wheels back and forth with the wheels on the ground so you have resisitance.
03-14-2009, 06:29 PM
#6
Yes, you can check it solo, but it's better to do it in the manner I described, because all of the normal forces are at work, and you might not catch something solo that would otherwise show up. If you're by yourself.....support the front axle on jack stands. Grasp the front tires, one at the time and "rock" them in and out as if trying to make each one turn in and out. Look at all of the rod ends and see if there is side to side play. You should not have to use your hand on the joints, but you can if you wish. If there is any lateral movement, by all means you have a bad joint because you are only using your hands to move the tires. It is much more accurate with a partner, though.
03-14-2009, 06:31 PM
#7
JK Jedi
Thread Starter
Yes, you can check it solo, but it's better to do it in the manner I described, because all of the normal forces are at work, and you might not catch something solo that would otherwise show up. If you're by yourself.....support the front axle on jack stands. Grasp the front tires, one at the time and "rock" them in and out as if trying to make each one turn in and out. Look at all of the rod ends and see if there is side to side play. You should not have to use your hand on the joints, but you can if you wish. If there is any lateral movement, by all means you have a bad joint because you are only using your hands to move the tires. It is much more accurate with a partner, though.
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03-14-2009, 06:34 PM
#8
Absolutely. You just need to be more careful with your diagnosis since there's no weight on the suspension. Nonetheless, ANY movement between the rod ends and whatever they are bolted to and they are no go.
03-14-2009, 06:36 PM
#9
JK Jedi
Thread Starter