1.Fit For
1997-1998 Buick Riviera
1998-2005 Buick Park Avenue
2000-2005 Buick LeSabre
2006-2011 Buick Lucerne
1999-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora
2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville
2000-2004 Cadillac Seville
2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille
2.Package Includes:
2x Part# Outer Tie Rod End - ES3452
Notes
(1).Please check the fitment chart above before payment making sure all the suspension parts listed on this page are compatible with your automobile.
(2).Please refer to Moog official website before narrowing down your search so as to avoid unnecessary item not as described return requests.
(3).Please contact our customer services for targeted discount after all the items are received if you have reached any targeted discount thresholds, the terms of which is at the bottom of this page.
If you are interested with any other suspension parts, please click and save our store.
Tie-Rod End
The tie-rod assemblies connect the center link to the steering arms, which are bolted to the front steering knuckles. In some front suspensions, the steering arms are part of the steering knuckle; in other front suspension systems, the steering arms are bolted to the knuckle. A ball socket is mounted on the inner end to each tie-rod, and a tapered stud on this socket is mounted in a center link opening. A castellated nut and cotter pin retain the tie-rods to the center link. A threaded sleeve is mounted on the outer end of each tie-rod, and a tie-rod end is threaded into the outer end of this sleeve.
Outer Tie-Rod End
Some outer tie-rod ends have a ball stud that is surrounded by an upper hardened steel bearing and a high-strength polymer lower bearing seat. The hardened steel upper bearing provides strength and durability, and the polymer lower bearing seat provides smooth rotation of the ball stud in the tie-rod end. An internal spring between the polymer lower bearing seat supplies self-adjusting action and constant tension on this seat. A seal in the upper part of the ball joint housing seals the ball stud to prevent contaminants from entering the tie-rod end. These tie-rod ends are installed on some original equipment manufacturer’s vehicles, and they are available as replacement tie-rod ends on most vehicles.
Inner Tie-Rod End
Some inner tie-rod ends contain a bolt and bushing. These tie-rod ends are threaded onto the rack. Since the rack is connected directly to the tie-rods, the rack replaces the center link in a parallelogram steering linkage.
Some inner tie-rod ends have a mirror-finished ball and a high-strength polymer bearing to ensure low torque, minimal friction, and extended life. A hardened alloy steel rod extends from the ball to the outer tie-rod end and provides maximum strength and durability.
Tie-Rod End Replacement Guideline:
If you feel a bump in the steering when driving over road bumps or curbs, this might be due to worn tie rod ends or inner tie rods. Clicking noises during sudden steering movements can also be symptoms of a defective tie rod. In order to determine the exact cause and replace the defective tie rod, the car must be elevated with a vehicle lift in order to be examined more closely.
This useful tip applies to the exchange of tie rod ends and inner tie rods, which together form the so-called tie rod.
Picture(A)
Note: Cleanliness is extremely important when working on the power steering. Incorrect work and contamination can lead to leakage and, in the worst case, to failure of the steering assistance.
1.Lift the vehicle and dismount the front axle wheels.
2.Spray the fastening nut of the tie rod end with rust remover and leave it on for a few minutes.
Picture(B)
3.Dismount the front underride guard.
Picture(C)
4.Loosen the fastening nut from the tie rod and remove it completely.
5.Remove the tie rod end from the steeringknuckle using an appropriate ball joint separator.
Picture(D)
6.Remove the clamp of the bellow on the steering gear.
7.Push the bellow towards the tie rod end.
Picture(E)
8.Unscrew the inner tie rod from the rack.
9.Clean the sealing face of the bellow at the steering gear.
Picture(F)
10.Clean the lug of the rubber contact surface of the ball joint in the steering knuckle.
Note:Always use new self-locking nuts and bolts for a reliable repair.
11.Screw the new inner tie rod into the rack and tighten it with the tightening torque that has been specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Picture(G)
12.Mount the bellow and close the clamps with the appropriate special tool.
Note:Incorrect mounting of the bellow can lead to corrosion of the rack: the steering gear starts leaking which can lead to a failure in the steering assistance.
Picture(H)
13.Secure the ball joint in the steering knuckle and mount the nut. Please observe the tightening torque suggested by the vehicle manufacturer.
Note:During mounting, the ball stud should not turn within the ball joint. This can cause damage inside the ball joint and can lead to early failure.
Tip:Secure the ball stud against twisting with a suitable tool.
Picture(I)
14.Mount the front underride guard.
15.Mount the front wheels and tighten them with the tightening torque recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
16.Align the wheels and adjust them if necessary. Observe the vehicle manufacturer specifications.
17.Perform a test drive.
Note:When performing the test drive, pay special attention to the handling while cornering and listen for possible noise emission.
Frequently Asked Questions
(1).When to replace tie rod ends?
Tie rods can last for years and years and some car owners may never have to replace them at all, but their longevity can be affected by certain driving conditions. Driving obstacles like potholes, poor road conditions or even minor accidents can cause tie rods to work incorrectly. Because of their importance and high usage, some people recommend having the tie rods inspected regularly.
(2).Why should I get my tie rods inspected on a regular basis?
If you don't get your tie rods inspected on a regular basis, there are some warning signs to watch (and listen) for. If your vehicle pulls to one side while driving, or when braking, it's possible that bad tie rods may be the culprit. Your vehicle's tires will also show uneven wear on the inside and outside edge of the tire when there's a tire rod issue. However, one of the most noticeable signs of tie rods going bad will be a knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle when you turn into a parking space, or some other low speed, tight turning situation.
(3).Vibrations
One of the first symptoms that your tie rods are damaged or breaking is that the steering wheel will vibrate slightly. This is especially prevalent when you are speeding up or turning. This happens because the steering wheel is losing its control over the tires, causing the steering wheel to shimmy as you drive.
(4).Shaking
As the tie rods become further damaged, you will start to notice that the car itself will start to shake. This happens because the tires may start to wobble without you having full control over them. Although you should take your car into a mechanic at the first sign of tie rod problems, if you experience your car shaking you could be at risk for serious tie rod damage-which can cause accidents. Take your car into a mechanic if you experience this tie rod symptom.
(5).Wandering
If your tie rods continue to go unchecked or unfixed, the rods can completely break. This can cause you to lose all control of your car, possibly resulting in an accident. When this occurs, the car will may "wander" as you drive. At this point, the steering wheel will have no control over the tires and the tires will start moving independently, causing the car to drift while you are driving. If this happens while you are on a freeway or busy road, you and others could be at serious risk of an accident. If you experience wandering, stop your car, call a tow truck and take your car to the nearest mechanic.