Rack End, a rack end moves in accordance by the up-down movements of tires and transmits steering operations it receives from the steering side (rack and pinion gear box) to the tire side (tie-rod end). This mechanically connects the Rack bar and the Tie rod end. The steering power input from the steering is transmitted to the tire so that the driver can move the vehicle in the desired direction.
Rack End Introduction
Rack End, also named inner tie rod end is the part of a rack and pinion type steering system that connects a steering rack to the tie rod which connects to the wheel. Rack End connects Tie Rod End. The purpose of the rack end is to transfer the force, which is transformed from the circular motion of the pinion into the horizontal linear motion of the rack, to the left and right wheels.
TOMOI rack ends are manufactured follow by OE specifications, and where required include a lock nut and boot locking washer. The draw-in bar ball head seat material adopts 20Cr cold extrusion process for one-time forming, the tie rod ball pin adopts 40Cr cold drawing process for precision processing, the ball cup is made of a Japanese special material, and the ball head lubricant adopts Japanese special grease.
TOMOI Rack End Performance
TOMOI suspension ball head/external rod ball head series products Ball jacket adopts 40Cr fine forging standardized and hardened, 100% defect detection and then precision machining. The balance ball head series adopts Japanese high-precision automatic welding equipment, the welding angle is accurate, the impact strength and tensile force exceed 2000 kg.F, The ball casing material adopt slow carbon steel cold treatment process, unique forming, surface phosphate blackening, salt spray test for more than 72 hours. The ball stud is made of 40Cr material, the ball jacket is made of a Japanese special material, the ball head lubricant is made of Japanese special grease, the dust cover is made of Japanese Denka neoprene, the low temperature resistance reaches -45 degrees centigrade and the high temperature resistance reaches 120 degrees centigrade. Outstanding toughness and abrasion resistance.
■ Strong Surface Treatment
TOMOI has electro deposition coating comparable to the OE level to prevent rust from reducing durability.
■ Polymer Seat
TOMOI uses a polymer ball seat. Low friction damage and low variation in torque and clearance can keep performance long.
■ Hard & Soft Ball Stud
TOMOI reduces the surface roughness of the ball through the burnishing process, making the ball smooth.
■ It also has high strength by applying carbon steel, heat treatment, and cold forging.
Maintenance Tips:
Symptoms of a Bad Inner Tie Rod
1.Vague and Loose Steering Wheel
The inner tie rod possibly turns bad when you can feel the steering wheel loose or vague on driving. You may feel slightly out of control about the steering wheel.
2.Vibration
In situations where there’s too much movement between the inner tie road and the steering rack, you may feel some vibrations as you drive. This may be accompanied by a shaky or clunky feeling in the steering wheel. It’s normally caused by a slight disconnect between the steering wheel and the tire’s movement.
3.Squealing Noise When You Turn
A bad tie rod can sometimes produce a squealing sound. It’s normally high-pitched and brief. It could be caused by a failing ball joint. The sound is different from the groan/squeal that comes from the power steering when it’s low on fluid.
4.Excessive and Uneven Tire Wear
A tie rod that needs to be replaced also causes uneven and excessive tire wear. If you check the inside and outside of your tires and notice that the edges on either side are worn out disproportionately, it could be a sign that your inner tie rod needs replacement.
How to replace the inner tie rod?
1.Have the Vehicle Raised and Supported
To find out if your inner tie rods are bad, you’ll need to have the vehicle raised and supported.
2.See If You Can Look Through the Rim
Start by wiggling the tire back and forth while holding it on both sides at the 3 and 9 o’clock position with your hands. You’ll feel excessive play and even see it if you can look through the rim.
3.Look at the Boot Located at the Ball Joint and the Socket Joint
You’ll need to first take a look at the boot that’s located at the ball and socket joint where the inner tie rod connects to the steering rack. When the boot rips or tears, it allows all the grease to come out and causes water intrusion. This then leads to corrosion that causes excess play at the ball and socket joint.
4.Replace the Inner Tie Rod
If the inner tie rod is corroded you’ll need to replace it.
Excellent TOMOI Rack End
TOMOI has more than 20 years experience in making of Steering and Suspension system. TOMOI rack ends are manufactured with superior materials, innovative design, advanced equipment and high-end technology from Japan and Korea. TOMOI has passed the SGS-certified automotive industry quality management system lATF16949, strict performance tests (high and low temperature rotation resistance, mud spray and rubber dust protection test at high and low temperature, etc.) to ensure excellent and stable performance and durability of each product.
