tie rod hitting UCA bracket

[Intender]

I was in the process of greasing up my truck for a trip to URE tomorrow and found the drivers side castle on the upper tie rod nut was mangled and the cotter pin was missing. Looks like its been hitting the UCA bracket. The only thing I can figure is that there must be a lot of play in the centerlink causing it to hit it. I know its getting pretty worn, but is there anything else I should be looking at?

 

[granitex]

Nope, it is from slop in the center link. one of the easiest ways to take out one of the adjusters. they get trapped and the tire pushes against them and something has to give.

 

[TJTJ]

Look at the pitman arm to centerlink, the hole for the pitman arm bolt can wallow out, and that can add play as well as clunks, etc.

Also, when one end is jammed against resistance like that, it can bow the linkage and transmit stress to the other pivot points, such as the idler arm and the other side's links, etc.

 

[bigjim247365]

to add to TJTJ was saying, try something called a Dry Park test. you'll need you an a buddy for this one. it very simple. have said help rock the steering wheel back and forth while you are under your X looking at the steering linkage move. if any of your steering components move up and down before they move side to side, something is worn out. if you have a front skid you may have to take it off because the center link runs right behind it.