Messed up threads on Tie rod end What to do?

[Zombie]

Somewhere between removal and reinstallation, the threads on my 3/4 ton dodge TRE are messed up.... and it's the long side (the expensive side).

Even if I can track down a die for the threads, am I going to be able to hold the end still enough to clean the threads?

Should I just suck it up and replace the thing?

 

[RockMonkey]

Should I just suck it up and replace the thing?

Yes.

 

[Zombie]

Yes.

Thats what I thought... they aren't as pricy as I imagined, either.


Thanks.

 

[RockMonkey]

By the time you found a die, bought it, and chased your threads you would be into it a bit of money and a bunch of time. Your results may or may not be acceptable, and you may or may not have a safe steering system. Just replacing the joint is a better way to go, even if it costs a little more than the die. Good choice.

 

[DOSS]

I say it depends on how much you buggered them up.. a good thread file can save a lot of messed up threads and still be safe.

 

[anvil]

I'd try a thread restoring file before I threw it away. Much cheaper than a die.

Guess I was too late

 

[mrclean]

Can you fit it in to a lathe seeing that its the long side? I can chase the threads for you. and is it left or right hand?

 

[kake]

Remember to check the inside of the tie rod before installing a new one. If those threads are boogered up too you could ruin another tie rod end.

 

[Zombie]

It's the threads on the tapered rod end, not the adjustment sleeve... not sure how a lathe would help. I've basically decided to replace it for piece of mind. (yes, I know that is not the right piece... thats just how I feel about the brain damage I've caused myself.

 

[Crinco]

The next question would be if it was getting worn out anyways, and cost wise just replacing it anyways to save money down the road... I think replacing it is your best option also.
I totaled out my first car because of a tierod, so I lean towards replacing ALL steering parts early these days.