Tie Rod Checks 2: Check Tie-Rod Ball-Joint Surfaces And Seating Material

Visually inspect the tie-rod ball-joint surfaces and seating material

The tie-rod seating material surrounding the ball-joints should show no signs of damage. The spaces between the seating sections should be regular and even (as in the top-left picture above) and the seating material should not be extruded beyond the metal cup surface of the joint. If there is evidence of irregular spacing between the seating sections or seating material extrusion (as in the two centre row pictures above) or if there is other evidence of seating material deformation (as in the bottom-left picture above), the tie-rod should be replaced

The visible surfaces of the ball-joints should be inspected for scarring, scratches or other obvious damage. The visible ball-joint surfaces should be free from any scarring, scratches or other obvious damage (as in the top-right picture above). If there is evidence of seat damage, then the steering gear should be checked thoroughly for other symptoms that may have been induced by the impact (e.g.: Noisy or heavy steering). If further damage is noted, it may be necessary to replace the steering gear as part of the accident damage/abuse repair