Tie rod ends and threads

[Trav]

Looking at the threads right hand threads will appear to be lower on the left side and higher on the right. In other words an upward slant from left to right.
The opposite is true for left handed.

Take a known right hand thread bolt under with you for comparison.

 

[JHZR2]

OK, here is the outer one that has the play...

Looks higher on the left, so LH thread, correct?

The inner is higher on the right:

Here is the tie rod overall. Originally MB fitted them with 16mm tie rods, but later they went to 14mm. I figure 16mm is stronger, so if I can retain them, I figure I might as well...

You can see the guide rod mount in that last pic. I need to do them on my 82 300CD at some point I think, as I believe Im getting a clunk. That and the LCA bushings are about the worst jobs on the suspension I think...

 

[kschachn]

You think you are going to be able to unscrew that out of the tube? Plus remember, they are going to have to turn both of them (via the tube) to align it. You could try turning the tube now as you will have to get it realigned anyway.

I gotta tell you, in my opinion - the money for whole new assemblies is money well spent.

 

[JHZR2]

The car is 32 years old, but only has 75k miles. The car is entirely rust free and in great shape. The tie rod end was already removed, but the parts supplier had brought the wrong part. I know it unscrews and rescrews perfectly.

 

[kschachn]

Well that's good.

"Rust free" would not describe my BMW

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
The car is 32 years old, but only has 75k miles. The car is entirely rust free and in great shape. The tie rod end was already removed, but the parts supplier had brought the wrong part. I know it unscrews and rescrews perfectly.

 

[Trav]

Correct outer is left hand and the inner is right hand. Getting them out of the tube wont be any trouble.