Tie rod end

Details Tie rod end Tie rod end

1998-09-11

2001-06-26

Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)

Joints and connections

Articulated members

Pivoted

C403S133000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06250840

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is directed to a tie rod end and, more particularly, is directed to an outer tie rod end for use in a vehicle steering linkage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A vehicle steering linkage is typically used to turn the steerable wheels of a vehicle. The steering linkage connects the output of an actuatable steering gear to the steerable wheels. The steering gear is actuated by the driver of the vehicle turning the vehicle steering wheel.
A known steering linkage includes a pair of tie rods connected by a center link. Each tie rod has an inner end connected to the center link and an outer end. The outer end of each tie rod connects to a spindle associated with a front wheel of the vehicle. The outer tie rod ends typically comprise ball and socket joints which allow for relative rotational movement between a respective tie rod and associated wheel spindle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a tie rod end comprising a metal stem having a first surface defining a first chamber. The first chamber is centered on an axis and has opposite open ends. A ball stud is centered on the axis. The ball stud has a ball end and a stud shaft. A plastic bearing is located in the first chamber and projects through the opposite open ends of the first chamber. The plastic bearing includes a tubular sleeve portion press fit in the first chamber. The tubular sleeve portion has an open first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The stud shaft extends through the open first end of the tubular sleeve portion. The tubular sleeve portion includes a second surface partially defining a second chamber in the tubular sleeve section and centered on the axis. The second surface engages the ball end of the ball stud for relative sliding movement. The plastic bearing further includes a plastic plug member disposed in the second chamber. The plastic plug member is fixedly attached to the tubular sleeve portion and closes the second end of the tubular sleeve portion. The plastic plug member engages the ball end of the ball stud for relative sliding movement.


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