Is my front suspension safe?

Are steering parts being sold WITH Nylock nuts? Is that even a thing?

Using a Nylok, a nylon, plastic insert locking nut is an approved and appropriate for static non moving attach points. The rule is, not for use in any area exceeding 200 °F, or if you can thread it on by hand, meaning the locking function has worn out. Replace the nut. Don't use nyloks in the engine compartment.
Any parts that move must be retained by positive mechanical locking device. Cotter pin, safety pin, safety lock wire.
My first choice on steering gear is cotter pins. Second would be all metal lock nut.
On replacement steering parts that came without castle nut and cotter pin. I have install and torque castle nut and drill hole and install cotter pin.
I can reuse a castle nut, but reusing a torque to yield, ....hmm.
Good luck.

This is a good public warning thread... even if Nylocks are considered 'acceptable' for steering parts anybody reading this should just avoid using them and return them for higher quality units.

Thanks to the OP for posting as many details as he did. I doubt the alignment shop would have touched those nuts. He's extremely lucky that he was mechanical and pulled over and inspected the problem on the side of the road. If he would have done a 'garage job' for his grandma or something, things could have turned out MUCH worse!!

Caman96 said:

So, all your steering parts use Nylock nuts and no castle nuts/pins? Also, Nylock nuts weaken every time they are removed

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I'm just calling them nylocks because they're lock nuts (yes, one time use), with rubber/nylon whatever, rubbery stuff on the inside that "grabs" the bolt and doesn't let it come off. I just used what came in the box with it from the parts store. Now I'm thinking about putting a regular nut with a split lock washer and blue locktite on all these connections. I did not, and would not use an impact wrench on anything that gets torqued.

TommyJ1980 said:

I'm just calling them nylocks because they're lock nuts (yes, one time use), with rubber/nylon whatever, rubbery stuff on the inside that "grabs" the bolt and doesn't let it come off. I just used what came in the box with it from the parts store. Now I'm thinking about putting a regular nut with a split lock washer and blue locktite on all these connections. I did not, and would not use an impact wrench on anything that gets torqued.

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I’m just a bit amazed that steering parts come with Nylock “type” nuts.

Caman96 said:

I’m just a bit amazed that steering parts come with Nylock “type” nuts.

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Yeah, same here.

For peace of mind, I’d just replace all remaining parts that use that type of nut. If that one tie rod failed, then the other one is suspect if it’s the same brand.

Moog problem solver brand is a safe bet.

No high quality, over engineered, material, equipment uses a split lock washer. Before tossing your Nyloks, and installing split washers, quality Nyloks have been tested for strength and vibration resistance. Split locks can't perform.
If you still hate Nyloks, a good all metal lock nut would be an excellent choice in Grade 5 or Grade 8. Metric 8.8.
In some applications with a load in tension and shear I opted for metal locknut with flange.
Where ever you get your hardware from all nuts and bolts are not the same. That big hardware bin at the big store do you know what grade it is?
There is stainless really nice, but it is Grade 2. Soft alloy.
Use verified bolts, know what your getting and is correct for your use. Same with nuts, same quality or better.
Where would I use split locks? Metal shop table assembly, drill press stand, don't hate them just don't trust them.
Good luck, happy wrenching.

TommyJ1980 said:

Now I'm thinking about putting a regular nut with a split lock washer and blue locktite on all these connections.

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I Would just get some better parts that have castle nuts and cotter pins and be done with it. No worries.

Supercharged111 said:

I won't touch off brand ball joints or tie rod ends with a 10 foot stick, even the name brand stuff isn't great.

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I'll second that notion.

Just out of curiosity I searched my daily driver Cruze on RockAuto and they are all NyLock style







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Until you get to the "PREMUIM XL" which is only 1 out of over a dozen options....