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Precision for steering: the role of the tie rod in the truck

The tie rod is the crucial connecting element between the steering gear and the steering knuckles of the wheels. In commercial vehicles, it has to transmit enormous steering forces and at the same time guarantee that the vehicle tracks precisely under heavy loads. A precisely adjusted tie rod not only ensures a direct steering feel, but also minimizes rolling resistance. This leads to even tire wear and noticeable fuel savings. Our components are designed to meet the high mechanical demands of long-distance driving and ensure the exact geometry of your chassis.

Safety thanks to first-class tie rod ends and joints

Wear on the steering often announces itself gradually. A worn tie rod end or a defective axial joint impair directional stability and can become a safety risk under extreme loads. As these components are permanently exposed to dirt, water and vibrations, the quality of the dust protection sleeves and the inner ball sockets is crucial. At FZB Fahrzeugbedarf, you will find spare parts in OEM quality that guarantee a long service life thanks to high-quality alloys and excellent lubrication and prevent expensive consequential damage to the tires or steering gear.

Tie rod

What should you look out for when buying:

DIMENSIONS

The track rod and joint components must fit your vehicle exactly in terms of length, thread and cone shape.

ADJUSTMENT

Check whether the rods are adjustable (e.g. using threaded sockets) to enable precise tracking or steering geometry.

GAME CONDUCT

Make sure that components are designed in such a way that they can permanently absorb torques, lateral forces and recurring loads.

Extreme loads and the highest safety requirements in trucks

The steering and chassis components of a truck are exposed to exponentially higher forces compared to a passenger car. Tie rods and joints in trucks have to absorb the enormous axial and radial loads of the heavy axles, the large tires and the high payload. This requires superior material quality and uncompromising manufacturing quality. Given the fact that failure of these components while driving poses a catastrophic safety threat, fatigue resistance and adherence to the tightest tolerances are absolutely crucial. The components must not only transmit steering movements, but also withstand shock loads, braking forces and the constant vibration of driving without damage.

Precision for track and steering geometry

To ensure optimum directional stability and low tire wear – both decisive economic factors in the vehicle fleet – track rods and their joints must enable precise adjustment of the steering trapezoid geometry. The components must be precisely adjustable in order to set the correct toe-in or toe-out. When replacing truck track rods, not only the fit (length, cone) but also the rigidity of the replacement part must correspond to the original specification. This is the only way to ensure that the steering returns to the neutral position quickly and without “wandering” under load and that the directional stability of the loaded vehicle is guaranteed at all times.

Joint protection and maintenance-free for long intervals

Another critical point in truck operation is the protection of the ball and tie rod joints. Given the long maintenance intervals of commercial vehicles and the constant exposure to dirt, water, road salt and aggressive chemicals, the dust boot of the joint is a key wear part. A defective or inferior boot very quickly leads to the ingress of dirt, which destroys the ball pin and the bearing shells within a short time and leads to dangerous play in the steering. High-quality tie rod joints for trucks are therefore often designed as maintenance-free units with a perfectly sealed, robust construction and optimized lifetime lubrication.

Steering technology guide: Frequently asked questions about tie rods & joints

The tie rod transmits the steering movement from the steering gear to the wheels. It ensures that the wheels are parallel or at a precisely defined angle to each other (track) in order to guarantee stable directional stability.

Typical symptoms are noticeable play in the steering, spongy handling, rattling noises on bumps or uneven wear of the tire tread.

Yes, wheel alignment is absolutely essential after every intervention on the tie rod or joint, as even minimal deviations have a negative impact on driving stability and tire wear.

The steering rod connects the steering gear with the steering column lever of a wheel, while the tie rod (often behind or in front of the axle) connects the two wheels of an axle in order to guide them synchronously.

Sleeves age due to weathering, road salt and stone chipping. As soon as they tear, water and dirt penetrate the joint, displacing the lubricating grease and leading to rapid destruction of the ball joint.

In most cases, yes. If the actual tie rod is not bent or corroded, it is sufficient to replace the end pieces (heads), which enables a cost-effective repair.

A breakage leads to immediate loss of steering control over the affected wheel, which usually results in serious accidents in moving traffic. Regular visual inspections are therefore vital.

Spare parts in OEM quality offer more precise fits, higher quality ball sockets and more durable seals that exactly match the specific axle loads of well-known manufacturers (such as BPW, SAF, MAN or Mercedes).

Tie rod

Ensure absolute steering effect!

With precisely matched components, you can avoid play, uneven steering or premature wear. Find your optimum connecting parts in our tested range and equip your steering system with high-quality technology.