Drag Links and Track Rod Questions

[admin]

After buying my new Patrol I started going through all the included invoices for past services. I should have gone through them with a fine tooth comb before buying it, but none the less, I have discovered that the Track Rod has been bent and an attempted straightning was carried out by two mechanics and that a drag link kit was installed.

Not being uber technical I figured someone here could shed some light (and maybe some photos) of what these are, how they could have become bent (other than the obvious) and wether I should be getting it replaced asap or not.

Its got a 2" lift.

[Jacket_1985]

Steering draglink is the forward most rod going from your steering box to your left front swivel housing. . . rock rod is the rod on the back of the front diff connecting both the swivel housings together(keeping the wheels aligned)

[Jacket_1985]

This is a steering draglink and a rock rod.

This is what they look like fitted to a car. The forward most one is the steering draglink, and the one beside it is the panhard rod.

This is the rock rod, or tie-rod, whatever you like to call it. -its the rod behind the diff.

[TheFlyingBadger]

good timing. I just discovered today that my track/drag/tie (delete as per preference) rod (the back one) is bent. looks like some fool's dropped the car onto a rock at some stage.

shame I'm the only one who drives it!

[admin]

Hmm ok so they have hit somthing!

I'll get under it tomorrow and take some pics.

[Rumcajs]

Any mechanic who attempts to straighten ANY steering component should be shot on the spot!

Apart from emergency repairs to get you home/back to civilasation bent/damaged steering linkage should be replaced immediately.

I for one would not like to be passing you on the highway at 100 kays when the track rod or drag link on your vehicle decides that it had enough and expires while you taking a bent. Now you have a decent car get the decent drag link and track rod fitted.

Replace the damaged/bent drag link or track rod ASAP. I'm sure that "little precious" is worth the extra expense.

Cheers

Edited May 25, 2012 by Rumcajs

[admin]

Yeah for sure. I looked at it briefly this morning and I can see its not 100% straight. I will take a photo if I can get the right angle.

[admin]

Booked in now to get full inspection. Will probably get new steering damper as well, full wheel alignment and inspection of all geometry and suspension gear.

[tailpipez]

Yeah this is common problem with GQ GUs, Ive bent a few in my time as well. Because the drag link is lower then the diff the drag link gets snagged on pretty much anything.

Superior engineering have made a comp spec drag link out of 4140, They are bomb proof, They retail for $375. highly recommend.

Mick.

[BigGQWesty]

What happened to all the other posts here??

My 'more clearance' comment has gone after your photo of your bent rod Admin.

I've got a funny feeling I've picked this up on another thread..

Or is it just me?

[admin]

I havnt been in here before, but reading what's in here it seems to flow?

I've only ever deleted accidental or duplicate posts.