Tie Rod Install Problems

[Basicorpse]

I installed a new tie rod and and tie rod end today on my shee because the previous owner bent them. My problem is that the tie rods dont seem to have enough adjustment. When they are adjusted all the way out the tire still isnt straight. It is slightly turned toward the outside even when the bars are straight. Is there any special way to adjust the tie rods? Do I have to do both sides in unison to get proper adjustment?

[frocashmoney24]

did you get extended tie rods by accident?

[Basicorpse]

Thats a good thought I will check that when I get home. I will compare it to the tie rod I took off. I doubt it was an extended one though because I got it at a yamaha dealer.

[.]

did you screw both tie rod ends on at exactly the same time? Is their gunk in the threads keeping the tie rod from turning farther? That was my problem.

[Basicorpse]

I will try screwing them on at exactly the same time. I had the wheel perfect but the tie rod ends were only threaded into the tie rod itself about one or 2 threads. I also noticed two allen head bolts that hold the mount that the lower tie rod end is connected to. I was able to loosen then by hand Are these bolts supposed to be removable because it seemed as though someone tried to weld them in place.

[SDD]

The weld is a factory job. Its there to keep the allen bolts from loosening up and sending you for a nasty spill. Your steering stem might be bent causing the adjustment to be out of wack.

[Basicorpse]

Thanks I'll have to check out my steering stem. The welds on all those allen bolts are broken what do you suggest?

[Blue Duece]

if you got extended rods that would cause that problem.....heres how i do an alignment, since your just going for toe its real easy, first i use tie downs to come of my rear bumber to my bars and cinch my bars off real straight, then i take of both tie rods off at the ball joint, the left handed thread is better at the stem, with one rod off set the oppisite wheel with the tie rod, leaving about a 16th toe in (the wheel will be slightly pointed twards the bikes nose) then set up the other side the same way, shake the tires and cinch the 12mm bolts on the rods up snug, release the tie downs and you should have no slop in your stearing, it will track good and straight and as you accelerate the 1/8 inch of toe in overall will spread to dead center and at 70 mph you should have little to no head shake

[Basicorpse]

Thanks that was exactly what I was looking for Now what to do about those bolts that hold the bracket for the lower tie rod end? The welds are broken on everyone.

[89 bansheedude]

tack weld them back. be hell if that came off, you might not be living. i wouldent ride it untill you get all the welded. jayare

[Blue Duece]

tack weld them back. be hell if that came off, you might not be living. i wouldent ride it untill you get all the welded.    jayare

i just went and looked at mine on my 02 they are welded...dudes dead on if that connection breaks its over, the wheel would turn into a ski........