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[TC]

I've just had to replace the tie rod end that goes to the Pitman arm on my WG Grand Cherokee.
All seemed OK initially, but I've noticed that when doing a hard right turn, it feels like the front left wheel is scrubbing sideways.
Other than the steering wheel position, is there anything else I should have checked when fitting the new end ?

[Dave69]

did you count the number of threads exposed before you removed the old tre?

you maybe slightly out on the thread count, does the jeep pull to the left or right?

maybe you need to confirm tracking

[TC]

No, unfortunately not.
I've measured them since and the new TRE on the right has 25mm of thread showing and the left hand one has 20mm showing.
The jeeps steers straight and doesn't seem to pull to one side or the other.
I was thinking about matching the thread showing on both sides as I've seen recommended, but couldn't work out how it would make a difference?

[Dave69]

in theory matching the threads on both sides should work, but that only works if the steering rack is installed centrally, that most certainly isnt guaranteed

[carljh]

no steering rack in WJ's we have steering boxes. count the turns needed to full lock both ways starting from straight ahead to see if its out.

[TC]

no steering rack in WJ's we have steering boxes. count the turns needed to full lock both ways starting from straight ahead to see if its out.

Ah, it's beginning to make sense now (it takes me a while....)

[TC]

Counted the turns to full lock and it was the same, approximately 1 and 3/4 turns from central position.

Tried adjusting the tie rod end to equal lengths but the tie rod and LH tie rod end are seized together....
I've hosed it down with penetrating fluid and I'll try again tomorrow.

[carljh]

when I changed my TRE's they needed a bit of heat to get them moving, didn't need gas axe hot, just a simple propane blow torch did the trick.

[TC]

The penetrating fluid and a large monkey wrench did the trick.
I've evened out the tie rod ends, there's about 17mm of thread each side now and the steering wheel is correct position.
The scrubbing from the LH tyre is still there on full right lock, but I'm now wondering if it's just simply that the slippery roads have made it more noticeable?

[bgbazz]

A couple of mm of toe in, on each side, might just make the difference...small adjustments are in order here.

The alternative (which I'm sure you know), is a visit to a decent tracking specialist shop.

[TC]

Yup, there's one not far from here that has the "latest computerised system", I'll pop in there after work one day this week.

[bgbazz]

Just to clarify what I said earlier...I've been able to sort similar problems with a tape measure and a piece of string, but it was a time consuming exercise, in almost every case.

My trick was to have the vehicle tracking straight up a chalk line, drawn on the garage floor, for about 5 meters...THEN centralise the steering wheel, if needed. Re-check the toe in and adjust as required.

Always worked for me.

[TC]

I've put it off for now anyway.
Given that one tie rod joint snapped, for the sake of about £30 I think I'll replace the other side as well, then get it all checked out once that's done.

[TC]

Just ordered a new tie rod end and tube from Jeepey.com.

One thing I meant to mention, I love the ease of working on things like this on the Jeep, no need for jacking it up or anything !