Tie Rod FLEX?
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Professor Fate
Topic author - Posts: 755
- Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:39 am
- First Name: Dan
- Last Name: S
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '23 and '26
- Location: Taxachusetts
- Board Member Since: 2015
Tie Rod FLEX?
Anyone have or ever see a springy, flexing tie rod?
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**FATE**
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**FATE**
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Jerry VanOoteghem
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- First Name: Jerry
- Last Name: Van
- Location: S.E. Michigan
Re: Tie Rod FLEX?
They're hollow, so they're all kinda flexy, to a point. Just how flexible is this one? Under what conditions are you seeing it flex? Beware of thinning from internal rust and/or cracks!
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Art M
- Posts: 964
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- First Name: Art
- Last Name: Mirtes
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 Touring
- Location: Huron, Ohio
- Board Member Since: 2016
Re: Tie Rod FLEX?
What is the wall thickness (thickness) or the inner diameter of the rod. With one of those dimensions and the outer diameter, the expected flex could be established.
Art Mirtes
Art Mirtes
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Professor Fate
Topic author - Posts: 755
- Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:39 am
- First Name: Dan
- Last Name: S
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- Location: Taxachusetts
- Board Member Since: 2015
Re: Tie Rod FLEX?
I need someone to turn the wheel so I can look. As soon as i get assistant we'll know more.I'll have to pull the linkages apart to measure thicknesses.
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CudaMan
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Re: Tie Rod FLEX?
Just looking at the parts, I worry more about the skinny drag link than the tie rod, especially in compression. However, the stock linkage seems up to the job on my and millions of other Model Ts. 
Mark Strange
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)
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TXGOAT2
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Re: Tie Rod FLEX?
Your tie rod should not be springy. It's probably bent, or has been bent, or is rusty, inside or out, or has been in a fire. I'd look for another one, rather than tempt fate.
A bent or otherwise weakened tie rod may give way if you hit a pot hole.
A straight tie rod is very strong in compression. A bent one is much weaker.
A bent tie rod would probably give the steering a rubbery feel.
A bent or otherwise weakened tie rod may give way if you hit a pot hole.
A straight tie rod is very strong in compression. A bent one is much weaker.
A bent tie rod would probably give the steering a rubbery feel.