Tie Rod

What is the function of a tie rod?
is it connected to the axle of a vehicle?




Thanks,
cl8

Depends on your definition of "axle." If you define "axle" the same way a brake jobber does, then yeah, it connects to an axle. If an axle to you is what drives a wheel, then no, a tie rod does not connect to the axle.

The tie rod is a pivot in the steering system. If the vehicle has rack and pinion steering there is typically an inner tie rod (attached to the steering rack) and an outer tie rod end which connects the inner tie rod to the steering knuckle. The pivot will allow the joint to move up and down and rotate as the steering and suspension move. I'll see if I can find a Wiki diagram that will clear this up....

Try this one. (http://rogerdanielsalignment.com/suspension-maint.php) In the rack and pinion system what I refer to as the inner tie rod the diagram refers to as the "inner socket assembly." The diagrams are not as clear here (http://www.buyautoparts.com/steering_system.htm) but it gives a better description of the systems.

-Rod

great info & diagrams shorod!

the reason for my question is, I had someone ask what the part that connects the two wheels together is called.

Someone said it was the tie rod, I was pretty sure the tie rod was just connected to what I thought was called the axle.

Would the "axle" in the diagram then be the rack and pinion?

Thanks
cl8

No, the axle in the diagram would be the steering knuckle assembly.

Was the question that "someone" asked related to steering, suspension, or driveline? If referring to steering, then the rack and pinion or tie rod and drag link assemblies would be what connects the two wheels together to steer. If referring to suspension, there really isn't something that ties both wheels together unless it's a solid axle vehicle. Similarly from a driveline perspective, there would be half shafts and an axle housing on a solid rear axle vehicle.

-Rod

It's called a "tie" rod for a reason: It "ties" together/keeps oriented those wheels(typically the front) that steer the vehicle. Of course theres the Ackerman angle but that's a whole 'nother thread. :) Ackerman just causes the inner wheel in a turn(the left wheel in the case of a left turn) to turn in to a tighter radius than the right, and vice versa for a right-turn. The tie-rod just ensures that both steering tires are moving pretty much in the same direction. If one end leggo, whoooheee man you'd better hold on tatt!! - Darrell!

Thanks Rod & Smoothhandler

This is the question the way it was worded:
" What is the bar connecting two opposite wheels on an automobile?"
Being asked like this, what would the best answer be?

thanks, cl8

I would probably suggest "anti-sway bar" but it will also depend a bit on the context. Is this a question on a quiz? Is this a question about suspensions? Is it a question about drivelines? Is it a question from someone who knows virtually nothing about automobiles? Does the question only pertain to the front of the car, rear of the car, or potentially either? Is it a race car? Not all cars have rear anti-sway bars. All cars will have an axle of some sort, but on modern cars a single "axle" rarely connects two opposite wheels, physically.

-Rod

This is the question the way it was worded:
Being asked like this, what would the best answer be?


I would say center link (bar) along with tie rod ends.
That is assuming you have a center link in the front suspension and not rack and pinion. :2cents:

I would probably suggest "anti-sway bar" but it will also depend a bit on the context. Is this a question on a quiz? Is this a question about suspensions? Is it a question about drivelines? Is it a question from someone who knows virtually nothing about automobiles? Does the question only pertain to the front of the car, rear of the car, or potentially either? Is it a race car? Not all cars have rear anti-sway bars. All cars will have an axle of some sort, but on modern cars a single "axle" rarely connects two opposite wheels, physically.

-Rod

This was someone asking the question on the internet, just like that. They didn't specify anything else. They may not know much about vehicle steering systems.


thanks for the input!
I figured the wheels turned independently on vehicles.