finally broke something

[Steve R]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HappyJack:
What makes you so sure of this? The tie-rod was not the only piece in the steering that was taken from the GM parts-basket!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Happy..

HOW DARE YOU QUESTION ME!!!

Yes...the tie-rods are the EXACT same as my wife's Yukon XL. Same part. They did beef-up some of the front suspension components...but those tie-rods are OEM-wimpy.

There's nothing wrong with GM parts, but you have to remember that we're running some huge-ass tires that place a good deal more leverage and stress on steering components that are not exactly up to the task. Those tie-rods are on trucks with smaller tires and less weight!

If a chain is made up of a bunch of 5/8" steel links and it has one 1/4" link.....you know where the breakage will occur. I'm only suggesting we take that weak link up to par with the 5/8"....perhaps run a 1/2": same weak link area...just intially stronger.


Alec....

HOW DARE YOU QUESTION ME!!!

As my protege and most aspiring co-bud...you should never question nor criticize me or my driving.

It's a running joke in the Hummer world that any and all problems that arise are related entirely to driver-error....heaven forbid we blame the vehicle or design!

What I am saying is that I've now seen 3 videos of tie-rod failure....and in each instance it truly was driver error to blame.

I believe the tie-rods are undersized...almost dramatically so. No doubt they'll serve just fine for all H2's that stay on the street, and many that will go offroad.....but for those of us who dare to push it....it likely will become an issue for ALL OF US EVENTUALLY.

Yes, I do hammer it on occassion. Again...we have to work a fine balance between using momentum and finesse to get the job done. As much speed as needed, as little power as necessary (or something like that...help anyone?????). It's all about balance: yin & yang, matter & anti-matter, pasta & anti-pasta.

Surprised I haven't broken one? (yee of little faith) There's a reason I haven't broken one. Simple rule: you must not allow any adverse extreme pressure to develop on the tie-rod. You can hit stuff pretty hard...but if your tire is turned or experiences any pressure that causes it to turn INWARD.....then you're risking breakage.

Choose your lines, work the terrain, let the TC do its thing...and may lady-luck be on your side.

I will concede this alteration to my statement: I believe an experienced driver is far less likely to incur a tie-rod breakage. And I'd like to add....by understanding the principles involved, one can greatly reduce their chances of breakage. And this: we need a stronger tie-rod soon!!!!