"Normal" tie rod rotational play

Rebel JK

Rebel JK

New member
Still have a lot to learn on the JK. Sorry if this has been covered somewhere else but Couldn't find a strait answer from what I've searched. some play is normal but how much rotational play is too much? pretty sure ive got the stock ends and w no zerks and have approx. 25-30 degrees rotation. Tie rod ends look like they probably will need replacing anyways in the next few months. What do you guys think?
 
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mine has been that way since mile 1...2010 JKU and now 84000 miles. it use to drive me crazy because I could here it under certain stopping and wheeling conditions.
I must have taken it to the dealer 10 times before they finally heard it and showed me what was happening.
I don't know if it's supposed to be that loose (I can grab it and move it) but it hasn't caused me any issues.
 
I bought my 08 used and didn't notice it for a while, but it sure seems wrong! Full on noob question but can the stock joints be changed out seperate fron the whole tie rod? I do have a little side play so lookin at changing em anyways.
 
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Rebel JK said:
I bought my 08 used and didn't notice it for a while, but it sure seems wrong! Full on noob question but can the stock joints be changed out seperate fron the whole tie rod? I do have a little side play so lookin at changing em anyways.
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the stock unit only the pitman arm end can be removed, the passenger side is a crimped one piece unit. stock replacement aren't too expensive.

There are aftermarket units available that have both ends that can be replaced
 
With the tie rod clamp tight should there be any rotation possible between tie rod and rod end? Found the clamp slightly loose, torqued back up to 45lbs and end still will rotate seperate from tie rod.
 

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Rebel JK said:
With the tie rod clamp tight should there be any rotation possible between tie rod and rod end? Found the clamp slightly loose, torqued back up to 45lbs and end still will rotate seperate from tie rod.
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the end shouldn't rotate with the clamp tightened down - you might try tightening a bit more or it's possible some of the threads are stripped allowing it to come loose even after tightening.
 
Sounds counter intuitive but try this until you get the new ones. Loosen all that clamping shit up. inspect threads on clamp bolt. replace if damaged. and oil it up then torque to spec.

Sounds counterintuitive, but its the only way to get proper torque on that joint. Depending on how long its been operated like this.... this still may not work, so over torquing may be required to eliminate movement. I would deff replace this if its been allowed to operate loose for an unknown amount of time.

Hope this makes sense... Ive already had some of the honey tonight:bleh:
 
Armyvet, I'm with you- especially after a couple of s bullets myself. this makes sense. I should have went there already. We use anti seize compound on bolts and such to get an accurate torque read at work all the time. A little dirt or corrosion will quickly turn a crusty bolt into a broken bolt when tryin to get those last couple of Foot lbs. what's getting me is the rod end fits internal to the tie rod and I guess the clamp is the "compression " or squeeze fitting to eliminate this twist?
 
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