Extremely loose tie rod end, dangerous?
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AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,253
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Extremely loose tie rod end, dangerous?
I was wondering if a tie rod end with a significant amount of play in it,
i.e. enough that the wheel could be moved around a good half inch when on a lift
would this play and the resulting vibrations cause a properly torqued down wheel to come off while the car is in motion?
I remember reading in the archives something to this effect, but most people get the tie rod ends replaced before they get this damaged.
Car in example is a 97 A8 with over 100k miles on original tie rod ends.
Thanks in advance!
i.e. enough that the wheel could be moved around a good half inch when on a lift
would this play and the resulting vibrations cause a properly torqued down wheel to come off while the car is in motion?
I remember reading in the archives something to this effect, but most people get the tie rod ends replaced before they get this damaged.
Car in example is a 97 A8 with over 100k miles on original tie rod ends.
Thanks in advance!
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 680
Likes: 9
From: Nor Cal
Re: yes with that much play .. I had it happen on a bad wheel bearing
No, the wheel would not come off completely. It would do something worse. It would fight with the steered wheel for directional control of the vehicle.
I've had a wheel break loose due to a failed lower balljoint on a mid 80s camaro. You loose the corner, but the other wheel is connected and controllable. With a totally failed tie rod, the corner does not collapse, but the wheel "steers" where ever it wants to go. Applying the brakes, for instance would have the uncontrolled wheel turn full out. Its a brown pants moment.
In NYC, and I am sure elsewhere, when an elevator maintenance guy encounters an unsafe condition, he is required to lock down the power supply until the condition is remedied. It would be nice if licensed garages had that power in limited circumstances...like the one you describe.
Brian C.
I've had a wheel break loose due to a failed lower balljoint on a mid 80s camaro. You loose the corner, but the other wheel is connected and controllable. With a totally failed tie rod, the corner does not collapse, but the wheel "steers" where ever it wants to go. Applying the brakes, for instance would have the uncontrolled wheel turn full out. Its a brown pants moment.
In NYC, and I am sure elsewhere, when an elevator maintenance guy encounters an unsafe condition, he is required to lock down the power supply until the condition is remedied. It would be nice if licensed garages had that power in limited circumstances...like the one you describe.
Brian C.
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