Tie rods
 

Two weeks ago I broke the left front tie rod. So put a new one on and broke it last night. Are these known to break easily and is there something out there that's better?

Re: Tie rods
 

That's more than I've heard of in a year, what are you doing?

Maybe you just got a bad replacement?

Re: Tie rods
 

First time I broke it crossing a small ditch. I didn't get squared up good so I figured my bad right. The 2nd time I was driving in the dark and hit a (not very big) rock and it cranked the wheel to the left and pop it broke.

Re: Tie rods
 

i assume they are breaking at the ball part (kinda pulling out of the socket so to speak?) they are pretty cheap,,, (pop metal i suppose) and arent at all designed to take any punishment,,, i would assume.

I worked on cars for 20 years and only saw a few break ever and they were really really abused (bent wheel, damaged control arms etc..) but in this case they do look like a general tie rod so one off a car would work if the threads matched up. I dont know if that helps or not but if a guy had a rack and pinion laying around might be interesting to see if they would fit. Also check with the lift company guys and see if they make an upgrade. good luck with it, paul

Re: Tie rods
 

That's a good idea!
Certainly our big tires and big rocks are putting much greater leverage and force on the units than the orig designer intended...

Re: Tie rods
 

Wow, a broken tie rod? I've never seen that happen.

Re: Tie rods
 

A buddy of mine used to break his all the time on a Yamaha ATV, so I had another friend that has a machine shop make him 2 one for each side. He kept it 7 or 8 more years and never bent or broke another. Bigger tires, rough terrain, curbs and such wreak havoc on them that are made for a golf course.
I think he made them for around 40.00 each. Just a thought!!!!!1

Re: Tie rods
 

Here are pics

Re: Tie rods
 

I am considering using these

Re: Tie rods
 

I like those. Where did you find them?