Chapter 25 Steering Systems 501
locknut. The inner tie rod sockets are covered
with a bellows or boot to keep out water and
dirt. The outer tie rods attach the inner tie rod
bar to the steering arms. The outer tie rods are
commonly called the tie rod ends, Figure 25-7.
Tie rod assembly length can be changed
to adjust relative tire position, or toe. To adjust
length, the locknut is loosened and the bar is
turned in the outer tie rod. This is discussed in
more detail in Chapter 27, Wheel Alignment. On
some older rack-and-pinion designs, the toe is
adjusted by turning a sleeve between the inner
and outer tie rod ends. Toe adjustment is dis-
cussed in more detail in the following section.
Parallelogram Linkage
When viewed from the top, the paral-
lelogram linkage is arranged in the shape of a
parallelogram, Figure 25-8. The parts of the par-
allelogram linkage include the pitman arm, the
center link, the idler arm, and the tie rods.
Dust boot
Snap ring
Ball joint
Outer
tie rod
Locknut
O-ring
Boot
Rack
Lock
washer
Inner
tie rod
Oil seal
Snap ring
Ball bearing
Snap ring
Pinion
Locknut
Adjusting screw
O-ring
Spring
Sleeve
Lock washer
Inner tie rod
Locknut
Outer
tie rod
Ball joint
Snap
ring
Dust
boot
Boot
O-ring
Clip
Rack mounting
boss
Rack housing
Rubber insulator
Figure 25-5.
An exploded view of a manual rack-and-pinion steering assembly. Study the overall construction and part layout carefully.
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