Performance Evaluation of Tie Rod using FEA and Analytical Approach

Tie rod is the part of steering system of an automobile. Tie rod is thin in structure and used to tie and sustain compressive and tensile loads. Tie rod function is to transfer the motion from steering arm to steering knuckle. Though maximum weight of vehicle is sustained by the steering system, Fluctuating Forces and vibration due to bumps from vehicle transmits to tie rod which may cause it to fail. The maximum percentage of forces on tie rod is compressive in nature. Structural failure also takes place due to high severity of vibration and forces. Tie rods transmit force from the steering center link or the rack gear to the steering knuckle, causing the wheels to turn. The outer tie rod end connects with an adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of the tie rod to be adjustable. This adjustment is used to set a vehicle’s toes, a critical alignment angle i.e. caster and camber, sometimes referred to as the caster and camber angles. A vehicle’s steering and suspension systems should be checked regularly, at least once a year along with a complete wheel alignment. A worn tie rod end, due to rubbing and wearing, can cause wandering, erratic steering and excessive tire wear. If tie rod replacement is necessary, a wheel alignment is also required because tie rod replacement disturbs the toe setting. Tie rods may fail in many different ways, and except for a slight increase in noise level and vibration, there is often no indication of difficulty until total failure occurs. Design of suspensions components in an automotive is very critical as they are constantly under varying loads. While designing the component we must ensure the safety. Apart from design prospective it is important to focus on the weight and cost of an individual component. The tie rod is an important part of suspension system. Here we are focusing on the tie rod as a structural member, its functioning and performance. In this paper, we are analyzing the existing and optimized Tie rod design using FEA.