Failure investigation of a tie rod end of an automobile steering system

A failure analysis of a tie rod end of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) steering mechanism has been carried out in this study. The tie rod end is composed of two parts fitted together: a threaded part and an embracing part. Failure took place in the threaded part which is made of AISI 8620 steel. The vehicle had been in service for approximately two years and accumulated less than 30,000 km. An evaluation of the failed part was undertaken to determine the cause of failure and assess its integrity. Visual examination, photo documentation, chemical analysis, hardness measurement, and metallographic examination were all conducted. The failure surface was examined with the help of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with EDAX facility that determines chemical composition at desired locations within the part. Results indicated that the tie rod end had failed by fatigue with a crack initiation at the throat (minimum) area of the threaded part due to material deficiency and improper heat treatment.