When performing an alignment, the technician should be inspecting the tie rods. Why? In this video, Tire Review’s Maddie Winer explains what should be checked when inspecting tie rods from the Tire Review Continental Tire Garage Studio at Babcox Media. Related Articles - How suspension damage can affect tire wear - Potential driveshaft issues with 4WD vehicles - Tips to keep tire shop technicians around long-term
When an adjustment for toe is made, it is critical to make sure that the tie rods are close to the same length. If one tie rod is longer than the other, it can indicate suspension damage, such as a bent steering arm or knuckle. Or, it could mean that when the total toe was adjusted, the alignment technician adjusted only one side to bring the vehicle into specification. This could cause a bump steer. japanese truck drag link
If the inner or outer tie rod on either the front or rear is bent, don’t adjust for it or try to bend the component back into shape. When a component is damaged, its strength and structure have been compromised. Any further bending or heating will only damage it further.
Excessive tie rod play is difficult for a driver to ignore. It may start with wear on the inner edge of the front tires. Then, there could be a slight knocking during braking or acceleration.
The No. 1 killer of steering tie rods is damage to the boots. Once a boot is damaged, the joint gets contaminated by dirt and debris that can wear the ball and socket. If you see a tie rod end with a damaged boot, recommend replacement of the tie rod.
If you find play at the inner tie rod, confirm that it’s the joint that is worn and not the rack bushings. If you can, squeeze the boot to feel if the joint is the problem and to ensure that the rack isn’t loose and moving in the housing. This will also give you an indication if the rack boot needs to be replaced. It’s always a good practice to replace the boot, but you may find it’s easier to obtain a tie rod end.
Technological advancements have been less about the way they attach and more about improving performance.
It feels like automotive technology is advancing incrementally every single day. Heck, even small parts like wheel weights have seen a ton of advancements in recent years.
Wheel weights have been around for nearly 100 years – starting as clip-on weights in the early 1930s and evolving to adhesive weights in the 1970s. However, recent wheel weight technological advancements have been less about the way they attach, and more about improving performance and compliance with environmental regulations.
It’s up to you to have an even deeper understanding of these tires to help guide customers through their next overlanding tire purchase.
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You can use this information to provide more customized service to customers.
Installing wheel weights requires a lot of attention to keep your customers safe after they leave your shop.
Consider customer vehicle type, how they drive their vehicle, and local road conditions when discussing tire tread life.
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