Have you seen the Factory Tie Rods Crack like this? - Updated - Self Inflicted

[bstottlemyer85]

** Updated, after talking around and comparing photos; I believe how this came about is that had some tie rod braces on that ended up bolts seized together and the alignment shop couldn't remove them to complete alignment. So they ended up using a grinder to remove it and got too deep.

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone seen the factory tie rod crack on both sides of the vehicle as in the attached pictures. I haven’t seen it yet. This is on a 2021 Bronco Badlands Non-Sas.

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[PWillette]

That is bizarre, usually it's the threaded section fails. I would guess a bad casting.

 

[flip]

Almost looks like what happens to copper pipes when they freeze, less the metal deformation. Doubt it's rust jacking but based off the rust on the shock I'm not going to say it's impossible.

 

[bstottlemyer85]

** Updated, after talking around I believe how this came about is that had some tie rod braces on that ended up bolts seized together and the alignment shop couldn't remove them to align. So they ended up using a grinder to remove it and got too deep.

 

[Brian_B]

Well the good news is that it doesn't look like it's completely destroyed the outer tie rod. It's still serviceable. Maybe a bit weaker than it was, but it hasn't broke yet, and I'd not be surprised if the threaded inner was still the weak link there the way that gouge is oriented.

Don't think I'd worry too much about it. But maybe throw a spare in the back just in case...

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

well this is another reason NOT to buy BB junk.

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