German parts specialist MEYLE has provided some useful advice on tie rod end assembly in a new video posted on its YouTube channel MEYLE TV.

Tie rod ends are critical components when it comes to steering performance and precision. They are generally durable components with a range of more than 100,000 KM, but are also typical wear parts that have to be replaced over time.

MEYLE says a characteristic defect of the tie rod end is a damaged rubber sleeve allowing sand, grit and water to enter.  As a result, the ball pin begins to rust. Sand and dust can also get between the ball pin and the plastic seat and grinds the plastic seat to a rough finish, leading to play between ball pin and plastic seat. All this damages the tie rod end and affects the directional stability of the vehicle meaning a safety risk.

The durability of a tie rod end can be significantly extended with just a few simple steps and this is explained in the MEYLE TV video with work done on a VW T4.   

Step 1 is cleaning the steeling knuckle before the installation so that the rubber on the steering knuckle can rotate freely.               

Step 2 is lubricating the steering knuckle surface with silicone grease. MEYLE says its new All-in-one-kit helps workshops to save valuable time with the wheel bearing and wheel hub pre-assembled in the MEYLE-ORIGINAL wheel bearing repair kit.

Step 3 is installation of the tie rod end, tightening the nut with 65 Nm. The nut must be tightened by hand until the ball pin no longer turns. The final torque is then tightened with a torque wrench. MEYLE says that an impact wrench should not be used under any circumstances to tighten the tie rod end.

The final step is then wheel alignment. MEYLE says it is always necessary that a wheel alignment is carried out after the installation of the tie rod end in order to adapt the axle geometry of the vehicle to the manufacturer's specifications. Then the lock nut of the tie rod end is tightened with 55 Nm.

All steps can be seen in a short video tutorial on the YouTube channel MEYLE-TV.