Chassis-Parts Glossary
Definitions, failure modes, replacement guidance for every chassis part family SLOOP manufactures. Curated by our engineering team.
Tie Rod End
A tie rod end is the outermost ball-jointed connection in the steering linkage — the wear part that transfers steering motion from the rack (or center link) to the steering knuckle…
Read full definition →Ball Joint
A ball joint is the spherical bearing that connects a suspension control arm to the steering knuckle — the pivot that lets the front wheel steer left and right while also moving up…
Read full definition →Stabilizer Link
A stabilizer link (also called a sway bar end link) is the short connecting rod between the anti-roll bar and the strut or control arm — it transfers body-roll forces from one side…
Read full definition →Control Arm
A control arm is the A-shaped or L-shaped link that connects the front wheel hub carrier (steering knuckle) to the vehicle's chassis or subframe, allowing the wheel to rise and fal…
Read full definition →Center Link
A center link is the central cross-bar of a parallelogram steering linkage — the forged-steel rod that runs across the front of the chassis between the pitman arm and the idler arm…
Read full definition →Drag Link
A drag link is the connecting rod that carries steering motion from the pitman arm to the steering arm on a solid-axle or beam-axle front suspension, directly actuating one front w…
Read full definition →Pitman Arm
A pitman arm is the forged-steel lever bolted to the output shaft of a recirculating-ball steering gearbox — the first mechanical link between the steering gearbox and the rest of …
Read full definition →Idler Arm
An idler arm is the passive mirror-image counterpart to the pitman arm in a parallelogram steering linkage — a pivoting bracket bolted to the chassis frame on the passenger side (o…
Read full definition →Rack End
A rack end — also called the inner tie rod end or inner tie rod socket — is the threaded pivot assembly that screws into or onto the end of a rack-and-pinion steering rack and conn…
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