I BENT TIE ROD

[Blackfoot]

I also had bad bend in tie rod, straightened in the dark with come-along, rock, and three fingers. How does one set toe in? ...Blackfoot

 

[TractorLegend]

A "general rule of thumb" is steering wheel centered, and 1/16" toe in on each wheel for 1/8" total. They sell a 50 buck toe bar deal in JC Whitneys and I think I saw something in Jegs. To be accurate, one needs a scribe point attached to a pedestal ( SPC alignment products) where you jack up each wheel and scribe a notch around the circumference of the tire at he center of the tread. Some go back and after scribing the line and spray paint around the scribed line while spinning the wheel (to be used for definition). Then you center the steering wheel with weight on wheels and use toe bar tool (or tape measure if you want to go ghetto) to measue at the back of the treads then again at the very front of the treads. The tires should be toed in 1/16 on each side so effectively the overall length at the back side of treads is 1/8 more than overall length between scribed lines.
Really in the slow speed tractor world close is probably good enough. Anything from zero toe in to plus 1/8 overall should be good.You could just have an assistant help hold a tape measure at the front then the back very center of the tread-and calculate from there.
Hope this helps.

 

[Blackfoot]

Yep I will try that. I got it fairly strait, and I looked at both tires and they seem real close to be both turning the same way at the same time. But I really think I should measure up and see if I am close at all. The fastest this tractor will ever go will be around 10 mph, less the brake quits working. I have brakes coming in the mail. Thanks for the help,,,,Blackfoot

 

[mrutkaus]

If you adjust the toe in, the tractor doesn't know the tie rod is bent.

Mike

 

[TractorLegend]

Yes the only thing that changes with a bent tie rod if you reset toe is the toe out on turns...there would be some tire scrubbing on turns. In slow speed dirt use it really wouldnt matter that much. In an automobile it would be a big deal.

 

[Timber]

well I have yet to bend the tie rod on my tractor I certainly bent many on my Dune Buggy's and sand rails. Take it off and straiten it works on the short term but once bent they bend real easy again. Go buy a new one and put it up in the shop somewhere. When it bends again and it will just replace it. I also recommend skid plates though I have yet to make them for my own yet.