FIT FOR:
2003 - 2008 MINI COOPER Fits Models Manufactured AFTER 5/1/2003
Package Includes:
2x Inner Tie Rod End - EV800092
2x Front Sway Bar End Link - K80497
Features:
Bushings included for a complete installation, saving time and labor.
Direct replacement for a trouble-free installation.
Steel, iron or aluminum construction ensures durability.
Powder-coated or painted for long-lasting rust and corrosion resistance.
Please check the compatibility list and fitment to make sure it fits your vehicle.If not what you were looking for? please contact us or vist our store to find it.
Tie-Rod End
The tie-rod assemblies connect the center link to the steering arms, which are bolted to the front steering knuckles. In some front suspensions, the steering arms are part of the steering knuckle; in other front suspension systems, the steering arms are bolted to the knuckle. A ball socket is mounted on the inner end to each tie-rod, and a tapered stud on this socket is mounted in a center link opening. A castellated nut and cotter pin retain the tie-rods to the center link. A threaded sleeve is mounted on the outer end of each tie-rod, and a tie-rod end is threaded into the outer end of this sleeve.
Tie Rod End Removing Guideline:
Tie rods make the final connection between the steering linkage and the steering arms. The point of connection with the steering linkage is considered the inner tie-rod end, and the end that connects to the steering arm is considered the outer tie-rod end. Checking tie rods is important in identifying steering problems because the ends are frequently damaged or worn. There are two basic types of tie-rod ends: spring loaded and preloaded. Each type has its own procedure for inspection and replacement of the ends. Replacement of tie-rod ends requires an alignment to be performed, or rapid tire wear will occur.
Picture(A)
1.Safely raise the vehicle on a lift.
2.Inspect the rubber bellows for any signs of leaks, tears, or damage.
3.With the vehicle raised, have an assistant turn the steering wheel to one side or the other and rock the steering wheel from side to side.
4.On the side farthest out, squeeze the bellows until you make contact with the inner ball joint, and feel for any play in the inner tie-rod joint.
5.Repeat this procedure for the other side.
6.If play is found, replacement of the inner tie-rod ends will be necessary.
Picture(B)
7.Remove the front wheel for the side being replaced, and loosen the locknut on the tie-rod end.
Picture(C)
8.Remove the cotter pin and nut holding the outer tie-rod end to the steering arm, and separate the tie-rod end from the knuckle, using a tie-rod removal tool, the double hammer method, or a pickle fork.
Picture(D)
9.Count the number of turns to remove the outer tie-rod end from the threaded sleeve.
Picture(E)
10.Remove the spring clamp from the bellows boot end to the inner tie-rod shaft, and remove the crimp clamp from the bellows boot to the rack-and-pinion housing. A new crimp clamp will have to be used on replacement of the boot.
Picture(F)
11.Remove the bellows boot.
12.Using an inner tie-rod tool and the specified wrench to hold the rack, loosen the inner tie rod from the rack, and remove the inner tie-rod end.
Picture(G)
13.Install the new inner tie rod in reverse order of removal, and verify that the play is gone.
14.Perform alignment to reset toe after replacement is performed.
15.Test drive to verify repair.
Sway Bar
The sway bar stabilizer bar is similar to the torsion bar or antiroll bar. It is used in light vehicles as a stabilizer, or antiroll bar, and connected to the chassis in the center, and each end is connected to one side of the suspension system. Sway bars are most common on the front suspension because it is most prone to sway, but are also installed on the rear suspension in some vehicles. When the vehicle is turning, centrifugal force acts on the body and tends to make it lean outward (roll). The sway bar uses its connections to each side of the suspension to resist this roll tendency. In this way, the spring on the inside corner can assist the spring on the outside corner to bear the additional load on the outside wheels. This tends to make the vehicle corner flatter. But because the sway bar can pivot in bushings on the frame, the sway bar just pivots when both wheels go over a speed bump. Also, stiffer roll bars can be installed in a vehicle to enhance its cornering ability.
Sway Bar Stabilizer Link Removing Guideline:
The sway bar stabilizer components help prevent body roll when cornering. Although the stabilizer bar itself rarely gives any trouble, the rubber bushings on the bar and links wear out. This usually results in increased body roll as well as a clunking noise in the suspension. The stabilizer components should be checked whenever a vehicle is brought into the shop because of handling concerns or suspension-related noises.
Picture(A)
1.Safely raise the vehicle on a hoist, or use a jack and place safety stands under the frame.
2.Remove the nut holding the stabilizer bar link.
Picture(B)
3.Remove the link by hand.
Picture(C)
4.Visually inspect the rubber link grommets for cracks, softness, brittleness, or wear. Repeat with the other link.
Frequently Asked Questions
(1).Is it safe to drive with a tie rod end problem?
No. Tie rods ends are a critical mechanical linkage in the steering system. If a known problem exists, such as wear, looseness, or binding, the possibility of sudden and unpredictable breakage of the tie rod remains, which would cause loss of steering control. Consequently, it is not safe to drive the car if the tie rod ends have a known deficiency. Tie rod ends should always be inspected per the maintenance schedule.
(2).Vibrations
One of the first symptoms that your tie rods are damaged or breaking is that the steering wheel will vibrate slightly. This is especially prevalent when you are speeding up or turning. This happens because the steering wheel is losing its control over the tires, causing the steering wheel to shimmy as you drive.
(3).Shaking
As the tie rods become further damaged, you will start to notice that the car itself will start to shake. This happens because the tires may start to wobble without you having full control over them. Although you should take your car into a mechanic at the first sign of tie rod problems, if you experience your car shaking you could be at risk for serious tie rod damage which can cause accidents. Take your car into a mechanic if you experience this tie rod symptom.
(4).Wandering
If your tie rods continue to go unchecked or unfixed, the rods can completely break. This can cause you to lose all control of your car, possibly resulting in an accident. When this occurs, the car will may "wander" as you drive. At this point, the steering wheel will have no control over the tires and the tires will start moving independently, causing the car to drift while you are driving. If this happens while you are on a freeway or busy road, you and others could be at serious risk of an accident. If you experience wandering, stop your car, call a two truck and take your car to the nearest mechanic.
(5).Attentions
It is recommended to replace tie rod ends in pairs. There are four tie rod ends on most vehicles. The outer tie rod ends — one per side — are most susceptible to wear and failure. If one outer tie rod end has failed, the other is probably not far behind.
After the repair is performed the vehicle must be aligned, either on a mobile basis or at a good alignment shop.
A good alignment job will provide you with pre and post-alignment printouts of your car's alignment settings. A good shop will set the alignment to the "preferred" factory setting, not just the "allowed" settings. A job well-done will also have performed a careful inspection of the suspension beforehand to ensure the new alignment remains durable and stable. The best alignment results will be achieved if the tires on your car are not unevenly worn.
(6).What is a sway bar and how does it work?
A sway bar is a torsion spring — a piece of metal that resists twisting force. The sway bar is linked to each side of the suspension on a front or rear axle and designed to help the vehicle resist body roll, or sway, during turns or sudden emergency maneuvers. A sway bar does nothing unless the body of a vehicle leans to one side; if both wheels rise — as they would when the vehicle hits a bump — or fall at the same time, the sway bar doesn't have to twist and has no effect.
(7).When to consider replacing the sway bar?
Excessive rust, corrosion, or cracking. Sway bars are typically manufactured from high-strength steel and have special coatings to resist corrosion. However, sway bars are known to crack, particularly at the ends or at welded joints. If the sway bar has visible cracks or excessive corrosion it should be replaced.
Crash damage. Sway bars are near the ground on the vehicle suspension system. Road debris, driving over parking stops, and crashes can damage the sway bar or the sway bar links to the suspension.
(8).What is the most important tip to offer to help with anti-sway bar installation?
The most important thing is to ensure is that your wheels are not hanging. The suspension should be compressed so the control arms, etc. are at the same position they would be if the vehicle were sitting at ride height. This can be done by using ramps, a drive on lift, or simply loading the wheels if the vehicle is on jack stands or a two point lift. If this is not done the arc that the bar and suspension moves through due to the excessive travel can make things very difficult to line up.
(9).Is it safe to drive with a sway bar problem?
Yes. Should you suspect that a sway bar is broken, you can still drive the car with utmost caution. You will notice the car will lean and sway more when changing lanes. Your car will feel "looser" particularly when driving at high speeds. It is possible this will cause you to lose control of the car, resulting in a serious crash if you cannot overcome the loss of control that occurs with a defective sway bar. If you're forced to drive with a broken sway bar, you need to drive slower than normal. Try to stick to surface streets and stay off highways and interstates where you might be required to change lanes. As long as you keep your speed down and don't take turns too quickly, you should be safe driving until you can have it replaced at your earliest convenience.
(10).Attentions
Never reuse rubber components in sway bar replacement.
The original equipment manufacturer's sway bar will usually offer the best fit and function but they are expensive, and there are aftermarket sway bars of high quality for most vehicles.
Whenever a suspension component like a sway bar is replaced, the entire vehicle suspension should be carefully inspected.
Although the sway bar does not factor into the adjustment of vehicle alignment, it is always a good idea to check and confirm vehicle alignment after performing major repairs on your car's suspension.
