Do I need a new tie-rod end?

I finally got some time to work on my car today and while trying to remove the steering arms I took a chunk out of the tie rod end (the picture isn't great but you get the idea.)

Do you guys think I should replace it now or it's no big deal and all will be fine?

Thanks for your help....again.

 

Replace it NOW! Not sure how you could even do that but I'd sure as hell be worried that it wouldn't seat well in the taper and would either come lose or worse yet break

 

It would probably seat, but I would be concerned of the crack continuing and with it in the middle, not seeing it till its too late.

 

Yep, for the cost, replace it. It *may* physically work, but why bother taking the chance..The notch left by the missing chunk is a perfect spot for a stress crack to begin.

Tony

 

Having experenced the threads breaking off of a ball joint, replace it NOW. If it breaks and you wreck your ride, what was your cost savings? Gene

 

I was thinking I was going to have to replace it. I just wanted a second opinion before I ordered the parts.

 

Cost of new tie rod vs cost of broken tie rod while driving? In both car and human dmage from the potential accident. As everyone else said, steering is one area you do not want to skimp.

 

What about the knuckle that it fits into? It can't be too pretty anymore either?

 

i take it you have never had one fail going down the road? i bought a 57' chevy and wondered why the guy insisted i take a box of new suspension parts because the car drove like new. the ball joints had been cut halfway through all of them! somebody was trying to remove them not knowing how and didn't say anything and this was 3 owners back. good thing it never saw the road until i bought it.

 

Replace it. I,ve had a tie rod break at 55mph. Just lucky to be here to tell about it.

 

you might die if you use this. Ho win the hell did you get a grinder in there.