How to tell if a Heim is Worn?

[BamaTJ]

I know how to look for slop/looseness when I have the rod end in hand, but what about on the rig? Should I be able to grab the link and turn it side to side? Easy Rick may be on to something as the heims were one of my original thoughts when I noticed the axle bouncing problem. I just thought a worn heim would increase side to side movement not up and down.

 

[vanguard]

Should I be able to grab the link and turn it side to side? Easy Rick may be on to something as the heims were one of my original thoughts when I noticed the axle bouncing problem. I just thought a worn heim would increase side to side movement not up and down.

Being able to turn it by hand isn't a problem. As you probably know, you just need to make sure the center piece doesn't have play in it. It's hard to check it while it's on the rig but I'd just push the link up and down and look for any movement other than nice solid turning. I'm not sure what Easy Rick is thinking of when he suggested it could cause bouncing. Maybe I'm not thinking of something?

 

[blacksheep10]

have someone start it, lock the brakes all the way, put it at 1500rpm or so and put it from d/n/r/n/d/n/r and see if the links have play in them about their length. it could be in the threads or the ball when its radially (I think that's the radial direction, no fancy engineer type). just watch close and see if there's noticable play.

 

[P]

Its a spherical rodend... there should be NO play anywere in it. You can rock them in gear by yourself using the tire sometimes and check slop as well, usually youll know well before thisyou method works that they are worn cause you can feel and hear the play in them.