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Risk of riding with bad tie rods?

7K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  matthew.raby 
#1 ·
I noticed I had alot of wear on my tie rods letting my wheels move alot so I ordered new heavy duty ones but haven't gotten them yet. When I turn the wheel I get some popping noise from the one corner. Everyones going riding this weekend and I wanna go but don't wanna tear up more stuff. Anybody have issues with them breaking or will they just continue to wear? Just wanting some imput, hard to go and ride with someone else when yours is sitting at home, just not the same.
 
#2 ·
The big risk is walking back to your truck and trying to figure out how to recover your RZR when it wont steer because of a broken tie rod.
Better to wait and replace it than to go out knowing that you have a problem, this way you don't have to kick yourself in the ass for being one.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Are you sure that "popping" noise isn't your CV joint going out on your axle.. You shouldn't get that noise from the tie rods, unless you have extensions that are loose or damaged..

Either way, I wouldn't drive on bad tie rods. One turn going 30mph + and one let's go and you are spending some serious doe.... That and could get injured, good luck.
 
#4 ·
I noticed I had alot of wear on my tie rods letting my wheels move alot so I ordered new heavy duty ones but haven't gotten them yet. When I turn the wheel I get some popping noise from the one corner. Everyones going riding this weekend and I wanna go but don't wanna tear up more stuff. Anybody have issues with them breaking or will they just continue to wear? Just wanting some imput, hard to go and ride with someone else when yours is sitting at home, just not the same.
Are you sure that "popping" noise isn't your CV joint going out on your axle.. You shouldn't get that noise from the tie rods, unless you have extensions that are loose or damaged..

Either way, I wouldn't drive on bad tie rods. One turn going 30mph + and one let's go and you are speeding some serious doe.... That and could get injured, good luck.
I agree, it sounds like a bad CV to me ... the tie rods are not going to make any noise ... maybe the ball joint??? naaaa ....I would look at the CV's
 
#7 ·
A front one maybe? A rear I doubt your going anywhere. "pop" any out and you lose the fluids ect.. All bad juju. If you lose one (rear) don't count on coming back on your own power. Front, I guess I'd check it out and see if I could limp back w/o "popping" anything out.

UPDATE: I'll add that the differentials are very expensive, trying to jury rig something in the field for anything less than an emergency is a NOGO in my book...
 
#8 ·
Out on the trail, the thing breaks, one wheel goes west the other goes east, you stop rather quickly maybe even run into big rock or tree that was minding its own business, bend or break esspensive things in the front end.

Naaaa, never happen.


BUT, anything up to and including the above could happen. I'd fix it first.
 
#9 ·
Even if nothing falls apart, you could damage surrounding parts. If it is the tie rods and they are wearing at the spot where the bolts go through the knuckle, and you ride it like that, your new rods might also be loose because the hole is now bigger. You'd have get get it drilled out and a sleeve put in there, or buy a new knuckle.

As others have said, best to bite the bullet, diagnose and fix before riding.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Yeah I really didn't wanna take it for those reasons. I've been working on it at a buddies for a few weeks and everyone wants me to take it. Just doesn't make sense, its been sitting on jack stands for a month. Thats when I noticed the tie rods, I adjust my shocks and springs bring it home and it starts making noise. I wrapped a donut after and it made a loud pop but everything still looks to be okay. How can I tell if its the cv or hub? Hate to sound like a noob but it has me puzzled. I upgraded my front diff back in the winter, if I find out it is the cv or hub what are some good upgrades for a decent cost?
 
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