A question about Tie Rods

[Danr55]

Well, the read is that it is a stress fracture. Micro examination indicates that there was a lap in the metal and it just blew off from stress. Guys, it may be worth a look.

[Danr55]

I'm curious to know if anyone has actually looked at thier tie rods. I'd like to know if mine is unusual or if there are more out there like mine.

[mickmate]

Dan I had a Brit car restoration specialist here when I was doing yours. He said he had previously seen that failure more frequently than we'd like to hear about.

[Danr55]

Thanks for that Nick. I was beginning to think perhaps I drew the unlucky straw. I'd hate to think what would happen on a tite turn if one of those failed..

[mickmate]

Hey Dan, not wanting to upset you after setting yourself up with replacements and spares. The originals used a machined tie rod adapter to correct bump steer and get the right length. I was just looking at another CCX with gobby (technical AWS terminology) welds with holes and undercut into the tie rod and they still weren't made the correct length. I figured why not do something like what they used originally. I just tried my latest solution to this problem on the car and it's looking good. The best part about it is there is no heat effect on the tie rods temper and there is no welding on steering components. Utilising a modified coupling nut and a short length of threaded 4140 the result is pictured.

Dan check the adjustment on the ball tension and make sure you don't have those too tight stressing the end. Remember you getting rid of your front end shake when they were too loose.

[Danr55]

Nick, that looks good. How do u get the boot over it? The rod end is tigtened up to revent the front end shake. If I loosen it up, the front end shames

[mickmate]

Now there's a guy who knows what he's looking at! I assembled it with Loctite red with the boot on it then installed in the car.

[Mongoose930]

I think it looks really awesome - especially since it's on my car!!! Great work as always Nick