Enhanced Driving Performance with High-Quality Rack Ends
The Rack End, also known as the inner tie rod or axial rod, is a crucial component of an automobile’s steering system. It serves as a vital link, connecting the steering gear to the tie rod end (outer tie rod). Consequently, its main job is to transmit the motion from the steering gear to the steering arm, thereby enabling the vehicle to steer. In this way, the quality and design of the Rack End directly impact a vehicle’s steering performance and overall safety. Therefore, selecting a high-quality Rack End is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s stability and safety
The Functions of the Rack End
Transfers Motion: The Rack End transfers the rotational motion of the steering gear to the tie rod end, which changes the direction of the wheels.
Adjusts Toe Angle: The threaded portion of the Rack End allows you to adjust the wheel’s toe angle. This ensures vehicle stability and straight-line driving capability.
Absorbs Impact: The Rack End must absorb impacts from the road while you drive. This is crucial for maintaining the stability of the entire steering system.
Composition of the Rack End
The Rack End consists of several key parts:
Housing: Typically made from high-strength metal like steel or alloy steel to withstand the forces encountered during steering.
Ball Rod: One end of the Rack End features a ball rod, which is installed at the steering gear. This allows it to rotate freely at different angles, ensuring flexibility and safety during operation.
Bearing: Situated between the housing and the ball rod, this acts as a buffer sleeve to reduce wear on the ball rod while the vehicle is in motion.
OEM Testing Standards for Rack Ends
OEM Rack Ends are subjected to a series of stringent technical standards and testing requirements to ensure their performance and durability under various conditions. Furthermore, Great Auto Parts’ Rack Ends undergo rigorous testing to guarantee their superior performance.
Pull-out Test
A Rack End must have sufficient tensile strength to withstand various external forces. Great Auto Parts’ Rack Ends can withstand an average pull force of 4 to 8 tons, which exceeds the OEM standard of 3.5 tons. For example, the tensile strength varies based on the ball head diameter and housing thickness. We set inspection standards according to different part specifications. For passenger cars, the average pull-out strength is 4 to 6 tons, while 8 tons is suitable for heavy commercial vehicles.
Here is a table of our Ball Stud Pull-out Test and Qualification conditions:
Ball Size (mm)
≤24
φ25
φ28
φ30
φ32
≥φ34
Pull-out Force (KN)
≥25
≥30
≥35
≥40
≥45
≥50
(kg.f)
≥2550
≥3060
≥3570
≥4080
≥4590
≥5100
Rack End Pull out test
GAP Test
The fit between the housing and the ball rod is critical. The smaller the clearance after assembly, the lower the wear rate of the Rack End ball head during operation, which in turn extends its durability. As a result, our Rack Ends have a clearance of only 0.06mm after withstanding a pull force of 460kg. Even under harsh conditions, our Rack Ends can maintain vehicle stability, and their excellent durability reduces the likelihood of steering gear failure due to a loose Rack End ball head.
Here is a table of our GAP testing conditions:
Ball Diameter
<25mm
25-34mm
>34mm
Unit
F1 (Force)
±2,500
±4,500
±6,000
N
SR (GAP)
0.15
0.20
0.25
mm
Gap test on inner tie rod
Torque Test
The connection points of the Rack End must meet specific torque requirements to ensure a solid and stable connection. Great Auto Parts specifies a qualified torque range, tested with a torque wrench, for our Rack Ends.
Here is a table of our Rotational Torque Test conditions:
Ball Size (mm)
≤24
25
28
30
32
≥34
Rotational (Nm)
0.6 – 5.0
0.8 – 7
1.0 – 7
1.0 – 8
1.0 – 9
2.0 – 13
(kgf.cm)
6.1 – 51
8.1 – 71
10 – 70
10 – 80
10 – 90
20 – 130
Beyond Testing: Our Commitment to Safety and Innovation
In addition to rigorous testing, our Rack Ends are meticulously designed to meet the needs of automotive manufacturers and repair shops. Our Rack Ends feature heat-treated ball head bolts, which offer unparalleled strength. These bolts are designed to bend upon impact rather than break, ensuring a critical safety feature.
However, safety isn’t our only focus—innovation complements it. Our Rack Ends comply with stringent safety standards while simultaneously enhancing vehicle performance. Whether you are pursuing improved performance, safety, or environmental friendliness, our Rack Ends can help you achieve your goals.
Contact us to explore our product range and revitalize your vehicle’s driving dynamics!
