Patent ID: 6550350
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a tie rod for a vehicle steering system, said tie rod having a longitudinal axis, a first cylindrical portion with a first outer surface of a first diameter, and a second cylindrical portion coaxial with said first cylindrical portion, said second cylindrical portion having a second outer surface of a second diameter, said second diameter being smaller than said first diameter; and a boot seal encircling said second cylindrical portion, said tie rod having a ring portion projecting radially from said second outer surface of said second cylindrical portion, said ring portion extending circumferentially completely around said axis of said tie rod, said ring portion being spaced axially from said first cylindrical portion, said ring portion having a third outer surface extending axially along said second cylindrical portion, said boot seal having a sealing surface in sealing contact with said third outer surface of said ring portion, said sealing surface defining a groove in said boot seal, said ring portion being located in said groove.