I'm rebuilding the tie rod ends on my steering draglink. (the rod that connects the pitman arm to the tie rod ball) The right side connects up to a ball and there is a small raised pin about 1/8" dia. x 1/16" tall on the side of the ball. What direction should this pin be pointing?
This pin should not be there. I believe you will find this is a result of wear on the ball.
Thanks Jim, The pin is so perfect it looks like it was made on the ball. The ball is definitely worn. I'll just grind it off before I Install the new caps.
The joint should be snug so that it turns without drag, but not loose enough to get play in the wheels. You might need to replace the ball. The ball must be round or you will have tight and loose areas when you turn the wheels. Do you have a picture you could post so that we can understand what you are looking at?
Norm
Norm. Uploading pictures on my laptop is a real challenge for me. I'm just going to buy a new ball since it is so worn. I'm using the Apsco caps with the springs in them but this pin has me scared. Thanks for your reply.
Here are a couple pictures
Bob, that ball would have been the diameter of the top of the "pin" before it was worn. I would suggest you replace the ball rather than grind of the "pin".
Hope this helps,
Allan from down under.
Thanks Allen, I never saw such a perfect wear mark. Bob, Tennessee
Bob, like others have said that ball needs to be replaced.
Stephen