Steering failure -- Tie rod stripped and fell off!

[Gnarvan]

Originally Posted by twogone

Returned yesterday from a 2170 mile tour... most of which was 70mph+

Hijack allert!!!!

When will the video of your 2170er be available for us to enjoy?

[geoffff]

Originally Posted by twogone

I just broke out in a little queasy, cold sweat.

Returned yesterday from a 2170 mile tour... most of which was 70mph+

The "what-ifs" are unthinkable

Welcome back! I'm not sure if I would have noticed this starting to get loose unless the bolt happened to be somewhat pulled out when I looked under the van. Makes me want to have some kind of backup like trailer safety chains holding the parts together if this ever works loose again. Maybe I should put the ratchet straps back on after getting this fixed

[geoffff]

Just chatted with H at Sportsmobile. He says the tie rod itself is a Sportsmobile custom part. Now I wonder how do we determine if the tie rod threads are stripped, the rod, or both?

-- Geoff

[Gnarvan]

Originally Posted by geoffff

Just chatted with H at Sportsmobile. He says the tie rod itself is a Sportsmobile custom part. Now I wonder how do we determine if the tie rod threads are stripped, the rod, or both?

-- Geoff

As critical as the parts are to steering I think I would just replace anything that was the least bit questionable. How much would it cost to replace everything? Comparing the costs to replace everthing to the potential costs of losing control at highway speed should make the decision a lot easier.

[twogone]

I replaced tie rod ends <9000 miles ago... Quigley/Ford. So I feel OK just now.

Just a quick thread hijack teaser: We caught a little footage of my alternator mini-ordeal this last trip, so a video of that stand-alone issue is forthcoming... after the main trip report is up.

[BajaSportsmobile]

Originally Posted by Gnarvan

As critical as the parts are to steering I think I would just replace anything that was the least bit questionable. How much would it cost to replace everything? Comparing the costs to replace everthing to the potential costs of losing control at highway speed should make the decision a lot easier.

As scary as the thought of losing steering control at highway speeds is; it is interesting to note that these failures "usually" take place at low speeds. A common FORD failure is Sector Shaft failure in the Steering Gear. These almost always happen a low speed - why? The loads are greatest at low speeds; try turning your steering wheel with the engine off and not moving versus when coasting along at speed.

Replacing all Tie Rods, Drag Links and Tie Rod Ends just cost me $380 through WABCO in MOOG parts alone.

[jage]

Originally Posted by Gnarvan

As critical as the parts are to steering I think I would just replace anything that was the least bit questionable.

Ditto that, replace end to end and figure out what failed before you throw it all away. Upgrade while you're at it.

Grenaded a U-Joint at the outer axle once and spent all the time and effort to put a new U-Joint in to what looked like solid arms only to have themselves turn to shrapnel instantly. Luckily the second time everything was easy to tear down.

Another time when a fellow wheeler snapped a driveshaft U-Joint it was put back on the trail with the same 8mm bolts- they snapped before even being tight. We had new bolts right in the replacement but were erring on reuse...

Glad you're all right. Gives credence to my policy of when something seems off, something makes a noise, check it out asap- then again if you didn't find it. True, it's a policy I seem to have to relearn over and over, however the times between when I've remembered it has always paid off.

[joey2cool]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

As scary as the thought of losing steering control at highway speeds is; it is interesting to note that these failures "usually" take place at low speeds. A common FORD failure is Sector Shaft failure in the Steering Gear. These almost always happen a low speed - why? The loads are greatest at low speeds; try turning your steering wheel with the engine off and not moving versus when coasting along at speed.

This makes me wonder if that's why the Ford Owners Manual includes a caution to avoid turning the steering wheel unless the vehicle is in motion, and never to turn it all the way (i.e., fully extended in one direction or the other). They don't give reasons these cautions.

[geoffff]

Originally Posted by joey2cool

This makes me wonder if that's why the Ford Owners Manual includes a caution to avoid turning the steering wheel unless the vehicle is in motion, and never to turn it all the way (i.e., fully extended in one direction or the other). They don't give reasons these cautions.

The impression I had about avoiding doing this (on any car) is that it's hard on the power steering pump.

-- Geoff

[Angel]

My SMB is @ 55,000 miles. I needed to, and just did replace 2 tie rod ends, 2 drag links and the ball joints on the driver side.

Geoff, does that mean I got it fixed before something happens to me like what happened to you?

Angel