Lenkstangen

Steering rods are the linkage parts that carry the driver's steering input from the steering box out to the wheels. On commercial vehicles with a solid front axle they include the drag link, which connects the pitman arm to the steering, and the tie rod, which links the two front wheels so they turn together. They are safety-critical parts.

When the steering wheel turns, the steering box moves the pitman arm, and the drag link transfers that motion to the wheel-end of the linkage. The tie rod ties the two front wheels together so they steer in unison. These rods use ball-and-socket ends that pivot as the wheels turn and the suspension moves. Trucks use rods rather than a car-style rack because they must handle the much larger forces of heavy wheels.

The ball sockets and protective boots wear over time, and a torn boot lets in dirt that accelerates wear. Signs include loose or wandering steering, play in the steering wheel before the wheels react, vibration or shimmy, clunking over bumps, and uneven tire wear. Because a rod end that separates causes sudden loss of steering, worn rods should be inspected and replaced promptly, and adjacent linkage parts checked at the same time since they wear at similar rates.

The correct rod depends on the vehicle model, axle, and steering configuration, and the thread and taper of its ends. Confirm the part against the vehicle specification before fitting.