Tie Rod Installation - Gap Between Threads & Shoulder

[totemohaya]

Guys,
Finishing a huge suspension overhaul, and ran into a surprise here.
What are your thoughts on the gap shown here between the rod and the rack. The rod wont thread past the shoulder just beyond the threaded portion.

so, the washer is not flush with the tie rod surface - see photo below.

Using lemforder rods with OE 325i rack. is this ok?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-kGOVjB7rkUQW02bF9UY2M5dTc2TjBTaGctTjJMX1l2TF9J

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-kGOVjB7rkUam80YjRMVXhieXpxbE9nenhUSzc3VklreUFn

[estoguy]

Yeah it looks off. When I replaced my rods, I seem to remember it being flush. But my replacement ones are TRW and they don't use the washers. The inner end is just a big nut. It mounted flush when I was done.

[Seawolf]

The inner tie rod should butt up against the end of the steering rack. Is the washer hole big enough for the inner tie rod shoulder to fit through ?

[totemohaya]

The washer was pinched, bent, and prevented a flush condition. flattened the washer (save the tab) and all is well. thanks guys.

[jeffnhiscars]

That "washer" is your lock tab. Make sure it's bent in the notch or you could lose your steering (AMHIK)

[totemohaya]

absolutely. wanted to confirm the flush requirement before i folded it over. it went well :) now my camber plates on the other hand.. :/