54 Mercury Front end question

[Bob from Northport]

I have to change out the two tie rod ends on my car. Was cleaning up while putting on new brakes and I found side to side movement on both sides.
After I change the ends, can I align the front end with some degree of accuracy?? I will not change caster/camber. Only toe in-toe out.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Bob from Northport

I have to change out the two tie rod ends on my car. Was cleaning up while putting on new brakes and I found side to side movement on both sides.

After I change the ends, can I align the front end with some degree of accuracy?? I will not change caster/camber. Only toe in-toe out.

... whew ...

Yes, you can.

When removing the outer tie rod from the adjusting sleeve, loosen only the outer clamp on the adjusting sleeve. Count the number of turns to remove the outer tie rod. Screw the new end in the same number of turns. Tighten the clamp.

While the car is raised, take a yellow tire crayon and find the center of the thread and rotate the tire while marking a line while turning the wheel. Do both tires. Lower the car and roll the car back about two feet and return.

Make sure steering wheel is centered. Using a tape, measure front and rear of tread at the mark to opposite tire mark. Turn sleeve(s) equally until you arrive at your value. Roll the car back again and return it. Check your reading again.

If you check your WSM it will describe how to adjust the sleeves and center the steering wheel if necessary.

This is the old-timey way of doing it. Check for tread wear afterwards.

The adjustment will only hold if all steer components are tight.

[dmsfrr]

The toe-in spec is usually in the 1/16 or 1/8 inch ballpark. Check the charts in the Shop Manual for your vehicle.
.

[Bob from Northport]

I removed the LF tie rod end today. Some side to side play when moving by hand.
Does anyone know if grade 8 bolts were used to secure the adjusting sleeve on the tie rods???

[paul2748]

Grade eight - I doubt it. At most probably a grade 5. Can't you use thn old ones over again ? If not, use what you feel is safe.

[paul2748]

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Double response sorry

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Bob from Northport

I removed the LF tie rod end today. Some side to side play when moving by hand.

Does anyone know if grade 8 bolts were sued to secure the adjusting sleeve on the tie rods???

What exactly is loose, the adjusting sleeve? It cannot be fully tightened with the cap screw and nut? Has it become mis-shappened?

[Bob from Northport]

The main part of the end could be moved side to side freely. It wiggled in the part holding it.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Bob from Northport

The main part of the end could be moved side to side freely. It wiggled in the part holding it.

OK, the tie rod end cannot be secured in the adjuster sleeve when the cap screw and nut are fully tightened?

Most likely, HARRY ARMSTRONG, when previously adjusting toe, used a pipe wrench on the sleeve and bent the hell out of it.

Look at the attached photo (PN 3310). Is this the part we are describing?

Do both the take-off and replacement outer ends have the same shank size and thread pitch?

If bent/mis-shapened, the replacing PN is 11A 3310. Might as well order two as the other side is most likely damaged also.

[Bob from Northport]

The tie rod end itself is worn out. The shaft that sticks up wiggles freely in its casing. I am replacing the bolts in the sleeve because they are badly rusted.
The photo here shows the shaft sticking up. Way too loose

[KULTULZ]

You will need GRADE 5.

Is there a FASTENAL near you? Please don't go to HOME DEPOT.

CAP SCREW - 5/16" x 24 x 1 1/4' L

LOCK NUT - 5/16" X 24

[Bob from Northport]

Thanks for the help!!

[Bob from Northport]

I took the clamp of one side of the sleeve to clean it up, and found this hole under this clamp. Anyone know what it might be for??