Too me tire rod ends are one time parts. The ease at which they can fail and
the related results are just too much to worry about. The Vanagon tie rod
end is also used on many VW's. As for brand these things are often just
sourced from who knows where and re-boxed. A number of times I have had two
from the same supplier-brand box purchased at the same time and not get a
matched set. Meyle used to be real good for this. Sometimes I even got one
with the nut and cotter pin and then the other with a fine thread and nylon
lock nut. I've seen these strip out and I have also seen the threaded part
break off. I always get uncomfortable with nylon lock nuts on suspension
parts. You can't torque these right and the nut style means they are a soft
nut. They have gotten a lot better over the last few months and local
suppliers are able to get them. That said, don't use never seize on these
threads as this will promote over torqueing. Some anti-seize after the nut
is tightened or on the cotter pin is OK.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
brett rueff
Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2013 6:43 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: best tie rod ends

Both my tie rod ends are only 2 years old but ended up in bad shape after
removal because the cotter pin was rusted solid and broke apart.  The
threads on the tie rod end are now trashed as well.  Considering how cheap
they are im just going to get new ones rather than spend a few hours
drilling out the old pins and repairing the damaged threads.
Tie rod end prices range from $6.90 - $40.....have people found a difference
in brands?  Any favourites or bad experiences?
BrettVancouver91 Vanagon