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Do you have a worn or damaged drag link that is causing steering problems? We offer replacement drag links designed to accommodate the heavy loads your truck demands. Manufactured to OEM specifications and available for heavy duty trucks, buses and commercial vehicles.
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Drag links are part of linkage-type steering systems found on everything from classic cars to heavy-duty trucks. This type of system has stuck with heavy-duty trucks because modern steering systems like rack and pinion have not proven themselves durable enough for the high demand that heavy-duty trucks place on them. The drag link is a steel shaft that runs from the pitman arm on the steering box to one of the steering knuckles, and it features two ends with ball and socket type joints (like a tie rod end), the ball and socket joints allow the drag link to travel through the entire steering range of motion without binding.
The length and shape of a drag link are determined by the steering design and clearances. Some drag links will have replaceable ends and allow for length adjustments like a tie rod bar assembly would. Other drag link designs may have a straight pin secured with a lock bolt instead of a tapered end with threads and a lock nut. When replacing drag links, it is essential to take accurate measurements and identify the drag link ends correctly. If a vehicle is still in service and the drag link is unable to be removed a replacement should be ordered using the OEM part number. It is not possible to accurately measure all the features of a drag link with it still installed and a part number from the truck OEM or etched into the drag link shaft will help provide the correct replacement part.
When replacing a drag link by the measurement, you should first identify which type of drag link your vehicle is using. A drag link may have permanent, non-replaceable ends, or one or more replaceable ends.
Non-replaceable ends will be welded directly to the drag link shaft.
Replaceable ends have a threaded shaft and a locking collar.
Pin type ends will have no taper and a channel for a lock bolt.
Both ends may be identical, or they may have different sized tapers. You should always measure both ends as this is the only way to confirm if they are identical. Measuring a drag link is easy if you know what needs to be measured. A measuring tape and a set of measuring calipers should be used.
Curved Drag Link - Center to Center
Straight Drag Link - Center to Center
* On a curved drag link, the measurement is taken in a straight line, ignoring the curve and squared up against the drag link. Measuring along the curve can introduce too many errors and would only give you the total length of the drag link, not the distance between the points that it connects.
Drag links endure a fair amount of stress, and the ball and socket joints will wear over time. The steering on the truck may become less responsive, and as the wear becomes more severe, the truck will wander and be hard to keep in its lane. Drag links should be regularly checked during services and Federal inspections, as soon as a drag link exhibits any axial movement (inward and outward movement) it should be replaced.
The Drag link on your truck is a critical part of the steering system. Acting as the connection between the gearbox and the steering arm on the knuckle a failure can mean the complete loss of steering control. A worn drag link can cause abnormal tire wear and wandering. Daily pre-trip inspection and early replacement can extend the life of the tires and keep you safely on the road.
As part of your daily pre-trip inspections the entire steering system (including the drag link) must be checked for missing or damaged components and damaged sealing boots. If any problems are found the vehicle should be taken out of service and the problems noted on your driver’s inspection log.
The drag link should be checked for axial (in and out) movement quarterly or every 25,000 miles. Rotational movement is normal for the ball-in-socket joints and does not require replacement. Any axial movement discovered when applying 50 lbs for force requires the vehicle to be taken out of service and immediate replacement of the drag link.
Out of 3 reviews, the average customer rating for Drag Links: 5 out of 5.
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