Spicer Tie Rod Inspection Procedure - Manual (Page 2)

6. To protect the cross tube, use only your
hands or a pipe wrench with jaw protectors to
rotate the cross tube.
b. To check radial (back and forth) movement,
set the dial indicator so that the base of the
indicator is on the tie rod arm. Then, place
the tip of the indicator socket at the tie rod
end. Be sure to position the indicator so that it
is in line with the direction of movement.
7. Where zerk fittings are necessary, make sure
they are installed correctly.
8. Park the vehicle with the wheels in the “straight
ahead” position, then turn the vehicle off.
9. Place Blocks in front of and behind the front and
rear tires to prevent the vehicle from moving.
10. There are two separate methods that can be
used to check the degree of movement in the
tie rod end:
Caution: Do not use a pry bar or other
mechanical method on the steering linkage.
This could result in damage to the tie rod
end and/or create a false indication of wear.
11. Set the dial indicator to zero.
12. Again, move the cross tube assembly by hand
up and down or back and forth, depending on
which direction you are checking for
movement. If the indicator reads .060” or
more, replace the tie rod end immediately.
If the indicator reading is above .030”, it
should be replaced at the next service
interval.
Caution: Do not remove the tie rod end from
the the tie rod arm to check for ball rotation
torque. This may damage the seal if a removal
tool is used. Additionally, the tie rod end seal
can cause a false indication of internal torque.
13. Repeat Steps 10 through 12 for the other tie
rod ends.
a. To check axial ( up and down) movement, set
the dial indicator so that the base of the
indicator is on the tie rod arm. Then, place
the tip of the indicator on the bottom of the tie
rod end at an area that is most flat.
Note: When one tie rod end requires
replacement, it is recommended to replace both
to allow for even wear on both sides of the
vehicle.
Spicer
®
Tie Rod Inspection Procedure
All applications must be approved by the Application Engineering Department. Specifications and/or design are subject to change without notice or obligation. Printed in USA AXWP-0403 06/04
For spec‘ing or service assistance, call 1-877-777-5360 or visit our website at www.dana.com
Dana Commercial Vehicle Products Group
3939 Technology Drive
Maumee, Ohio, USA 43537
www.dana.com