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TR4/4A tie rod end fastening on TR4

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phid75

Freshman Member
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hi all,

I am currently rebuilding my steering on my TR4, and I have some concerns about the way the tie rod lever is connected to the tie rod end. In the workshop manual, it is secured by a nyloc nut (#50 on the image).
tieRodEnd.gif


I have a problem with it, when I try to fasten the nyloc nut, the screw from the rod end, which is freely rotating around its axle, prevents to tighten it correctly and I am concerned that the nut would eventually get loose. Am I being over-prudent here or do you share my concern ? If so, which solution would you advise ?

thanks,

Philippe-
 
The tie rod ball joint, like a lot of ball joints can be a pain to tighten with a nyloc. The problem is obvious, as the nyloc nut engages the nuts locking mechanism tightens enough to turn the ball joint shaft.

The trick is to get the ball joint tapered shaft to seat firmly in the steering arm. I have used various methods, including using a wedge to pry down the top of the ball joint to using clamps. Sometimes I have been lucky and able to hold with down with my hands.

I do not lubricate the tapered shaft or hole.

You definitely do not want to drive the car until the nyloc and shafts are properly torqued and seated.
 
As TR6oldtimer says, you have to get the tapered end on the joint to wedge itself enough in the steering arm so it doesn't spin. I've always used a light tap downward with a hammer on the top of the joint to get the tapered fitting to mate. Make sure the zerk fitting is removeed before you do this.
 
Comments above are correct. I seem to recall that with only a slight tap, the tie rods seated very tightly. However, having read all of this, I'm going to go out and check the torque.
 
Other methods that have worked for me :

1) Use a pry bar to put some pressure on the tie rod, forcing the taper together while you tighten the nyloc.

2) Use an impact wrench (turned way down) to do the initial tightening of the nyloc. (Finish with a torque wrench, of course.)

3) Install a plain nut first, to seat the taper, then remove the plain nut & install the nyloc.

If all else fails, disassemble the joint and look for any kind of crud inside. As mentioned, it must be clean and dry. Little bits of dirt or metal can sometimes act like ball bearings and keep it from locking as it should.

Although not common, it is possible for the taper to be damaged so badly that it will not lock, and has to be replaced.
 
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