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Drag link replacement

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 2:36 pm
by pinzinator
I had a bad drag link in my Haflinger, here's how I replaced it. First, order the replacement drag link. I bought a '74 Mercedes 240D tie rod assembly, here is the link-http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/M ... 6+Steering
You will have to shorten the adjusting sleeve by 2.25" and tap the end with a 14 X 1.5 tap.

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Here is the old drag link. I used a pickle fork to remove it.

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This is the old link next to the new one. The ends are exactly the same. If you want to replace all tie rod ends at the same time order 3 assemblies. The adjusting sleeves are too short for the tie rods, but ordering the assembly is cheaper than ordering 2 ends.

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New link installed. There's zero play in the steering now! Total cost was about $60, I bought the tap at NAPA. Note the oversize inner tie rod end. This was installed before I found out that the 240D assembly had the right part. I plan on changing this soon, and you benefit from my mistake!

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 3:48 pm
by audiocontr
How the hell did you figure out that cross reference!? Well done!

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:33 pm
by pinzinator
I did the cross reference with a combination of 1) a call to the manufacturer (not much help), 2) using my dial caliper to measure the stud, 3) luck, as there are many variations of tie-rod ends. Even the Europeans could not make a recommendation, which did not deter me. When I ordered the Mercedes tie rod assembly I was gambling as to whether or not it would work, and it fit perfectly.

Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 2:05 pm
by pinzinator
UPDATE- I replaced both left side tie-rod ends with the Mercedes versions over the weekend, now I have sports car handling up front to go along with the panty-dropping 27 horsepower in the back!