In a message dated 27/01/2005 2:18:29 PM Eastern Standard Time, LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes: You don't need loc-tite on the tie rod. It has a lip on it that you bend toward a slot the rack (with a chisel or a punch) after you get it screwed on. That lip acts as the locking mechanism.
I think you are all being a bit paranoid here. The tie rod ball joint end will not come loose unless the ball joint is worn or the tie rod end locking nut is loose and the threads are free. The ball joint cannot turn otherwise. The locking tab is just security for when the ball joint wears to the point it can rotate freely. Get a new tie rod and try to turn the ball joint and tell me if that's going to rotate by itself while your driving down the roadway. I don't think so ! Just tighten the ball joint into the steering rack end and stake it best you can, it will be just fine.
Cheers, Frank Condelli Almonte, Ontario, Canada _BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm) a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 09 ~ 12, 2005 '87 Westy, '90 Carat & Lionel Trains Member: _Vanagon List_ (http://www.vanagon.com/) , _LiMBO_ (http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/) , _IWCCC_ (http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/) & _CCVWC_ (http://www.ccvwc.ca/) Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley _STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm) _Frank Condelli & Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html) or http://frankcondelli.com |
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