A drag link is a steering gear element that converts rotary motion into linear motion to turn a vehicle’s wheels. It affects the toe of the vehicle and must be adjusted during alignment. Aftermarket drag links are stronger and suitable for extreme work. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn drag links can improve handling, tire wear, and fuel consumption.
A drag link is an element of the steering gear on a vehicle that changes the rotary motion of one crank or steering box to a second crank or link in a different plane or axis. This is used in a four link steering system and is not found in a rack and pinion steering system. The drag link converts the sweeping motion of the steering box into the linear motion needed to pull on the tie rods and ultimately turn the vehicle’s wheels.
An important component of the steering system, the drag link can also affect the toe of the vehicle in or out and must be adjusted when aligning the front end of a vehicle. A worn drag link can affect the handling and steering properties of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to drift while driving on the road. A badly worn tire can often be mistaken for a soft tire.
On some four-wheel drive trucks that have been radically lifted, the drag link must be replaced with one of an altered length, and often with an altered design. This allows the component to operate in the correct plane despite the steering box lifting off the axle. Correcting the steering geometry is a vital role of this important component.
On high mileage vehicles or those that have seen extreme use, replacing steering components can drastically alter the way the vehicle drives. Replacing steering components can help tire wear and even brake wear. Fuel consumption can also be improved by maintaining steering components. Any vehicle that has been in a frontal collision should have its steering components checked and aligned.
Several aftermarket companies have developed drag links that use high performance rod ends instead of conventional automotive rod ends. These aftermarket items are much stronger and should be used on vehicles that have extreme work. Factory components are not designed and never were designed for use with oversized tires and raised suspensions. Aftermarket components can help avoid costly repairs due to overtaxed component part failure.
The drag link is often overlooked when it comes to vehicle maintenance. The drag link should be checked periodically and greased where appropriate. Oil change intervals are the right time to inspect steering components. Check for loose ends by pulling on the rods by hand and noting any movement. These parts must be tight and any sensation of movement requires further inspection and proper maintenance, including replacement.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
