Trying to decide whether to replace the 4 tie rod ends on my '62. They might be original. The inner ones have a big dab of blue paint on them. The grease fittings are on the side.
I'm chasing front end wander and steering sloppiness. Some control arm bushings were worn and have been replaced. Both kingpins were replaced. The steering box is adjusted pretty good. Lord knows where the alignment was, but now it's worse after the bushings and kingpins replacement. When the snow's gone, it's going to an alignment shop. While it's at the shop would be the time to do the tie rod ends.
How do you test tie rod ends? There doesn't seem to be any side-to-side movement. But it's hard to be sure. However, they are very loose. That is, they will very easily move and swivel. I know they're supposed to do that, to allow for changes in their plane of operation when turning. But newer ones I've operated are somewhat stiff. Mine move almost too easily. I'm wondering if that's am indication that they are worn.
Second question: Can these tie rod ends still be purchased at a well stocked local parts store? Or, is it necessary to get them from a Corvette specialty house? (I know about Kanter.)
Third question: Did the originals have the grease fittings on the side? Or, in the bottoms? I see Moog tie rods on EBabe regularly. Will they pass judging?
I'm chasing front end wander and steering sloppiness. Some control arm bushings were worn and have been replaced. Both kingpins were replaced. The steering box is adjusted pretty good. Lord knows where the alignment was, but now it's worse after the bushings and kingpins replacement. When the snow's gone, it's going to an alignment shop. While it's at the shop would be the time to do the tie rod ends.
How do you test tie rod ends? There doesn't seem to be any side-to-side movement. But it's hard to be sure. However, they are very loose. That is, they will very easily move and swivel. I know they're supposed to do that, to allow for changes in their plane of operation when turning. But newer ones I've operated are somewhat stiff. Mine move almost too easily. I'm wondering if that's am indication that they are worn.
Second question: Can these tie rod ends still be purchased at a well stocked local parts store? Or, is it necessary to get them from a Corvette specialty house? (I know about Kanter.)
Third question: Did the originals have the grease fittings on the side? Or, in the bottoms? I see Moog tie rods on EBabe regularly. Will they pass judging?
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