| Hey all, i just got some new tie rod ends to install to hopefully corrects some new problems and i was wondering if anyone can help me out with some installation questions i have. first off my problems: i get a lot of bump steer and a shaky steering wheel after a few modifications i made, i was originally assuming it had to do with the new wheels and tires i put on the car being out of alignment, and at the same time i did this i lowered the car substantially more than where i had it before the wheels/tires. before the drop i had the alignment set to oem specs with the adjustable upper arms, but i think the extra 1 1/2"-2" drop threw the alignment out enough to make my car drive so poorly. But now I am noticing a creeking sound mostly when i am moving in reverse and hit the brakes and let off them. i am 95% sure it is not the brakes making the sound, although i did just replace them right before i noticed the sound. i also feel a clunk and some kind of sticking play in the steering wheel sometimes when at a stop or slow roll and i turn the wheel. i am hoping this is the tie rods binding and not something else more serious.
any input for anyone of what this is? am i correct in thinking the tie rod ends? second is my questions about the megan racing tie rod ends. please excuse my ignorance on the topic, this is my first time addressing this issue... gotta learn somehow!
here is a picture to refer to.. i have marked the two components in question as ( A ) and ( B ).
[ http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x220/xEpiDeMiC/megantierodends.jpg?t=1336947545 ]
My first question is about the bearing threading adjustment or ( A ). What is it for? is it just the way for the bearing to connect with the sleeve? or is that an adjustment? it doesn't appear to have much adjust ability, i mean i personally wouldn't want to thread it down anymore than halfway if even at all. to give you perspective when the nut is on there with the sleeve the sleeve is only on the threads just under an inch. what do i do with this? just put the ends on the tie rods as normal and act as though that adjustment doesn't exist?
my second question is about the spacers or ( B ). what is the propper way to set these up? i think i know but i would like a definite answer. i assume i set them up to try to get the tie rods to stick out as straight as possible from the steering rack not bend upward like they are now? so either the big spacer or both spacers on the top end of the bearing to lower the sleeve down as level as possible.
my last question is about how it should all be when said and done. i am assuming my ultimate goal is to get the sleeve and the rod that connects to the knuckle as close to a 90 degree angle while the tires are on the ground. is this the ultimate goal? any info on my steering issues or the install is much appreciated. let me know if u have any other questions or have any theories i can try out. thank you for any insight you may have.
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