Maintenance work
The tie rod ends at their outer end consist of steel ball heads which are encapsulated in a synthetic sheath with a small amount of lubricant and are maintenance free. The hinges are protected from dust and moisture by rubber cuffs, the condition of which must be checked more often.
The picture shows the Vectra multi-link rear axle. The numbers indicate:
1 - trailing arm;
2 - shock absorber;
3 - upper transverse lever;
4 - lower transverse lever;
5 - stabilizer;
6 - cross member.
Vectra steering includes:
1 - mounting clamp;
2 - right tie rod joint;
3 - right transverse steering rod;
4 - steering column;
5 - steering wheel;
6 - left tie rod joint;
7 - cuff steering;
8 - left transverse steering rod;
9 - steering gear.
Check the dust seals on all sides for cracks.
Tie rod heads with broken collars should always be considered defective, replace them.
You can check the presence of a gap in the hinges on a raised vehicle by shaking the wheel around its vertical axis or by shaking the transverse link itself.
Another possibility is to have your assistant turn the steering wheel shortly to the left and right several times, and with the vehicle on the ground, feel the tie rod joints for «backlash»!
Tie rod heads with clearance must be replaced immediately!
In the same way, it is checked whether there is still a gap in the connection of the rubber-metal support of the transverse steering rod with the steering gear. If one of the bearings is defective, then, unfortunately, it is necessary to change the entire tie rod.
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