Steering Linkage
Steering LinkageCOMPONENT LOCATION
INTRODUCTION
The steering linkage comprises the tie rod which provides the connection between the steering gear and the front wheel knuckle. Each end of the steering gear has a threaded hole which provides for the fitment of the tie rods. The external ends of the tie rods are sealed with gaitors to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture into the steering gear.
Each tie rod comprises two parts; an inner and outer tie rod. The inner and outer tie rods are screwed into each other and locked with a locknut to prevent inadvertent movement. The threads on the tie rods allow the position of the outer tie rod to be adjusted in order to set the correct toe angle for each front wheel.
The outer tie rod incorporates a non-serviceable tapered ball joint which locates in a tapered hole in the front wheel knuckle and is secured with a self-locking nut. The ball joint has an internal hexagonal drive which enables the joint to be held stationary when the self-locking nut is tightened.