How do I find a torque rod by OE number?

Enter the OE number from the vehicle's parts catalogue or from the old part into the site search; the matching EGEROT code and its dimensions appear on the product page. If one OE number matches several codes, compare the tube diameter and length.

Are the left and right torque rods the same?

On many vehicles the left and right rods are the same part, but some applications use different lengths, bush types or eye angles depending on position. Check the OE number for each position separately.

When should a torque rod be replaced?

Replace it when the bushes are cracked or torn, the ends have play, the tube is bent or the axle position has shifted. Base the decision on regular inspection findings rather than a fixed mileage.

Is an axle alignment needed after replacing a torque rod?

Yes, it is recommended: a new rod can change the axle position, so the alignment should be checked after fitting. On adjustable rods the length must be set to the manufacturer's value.

Which tests do EGEROT torque rods go through?

Tests in the EGEROT line include the torque rod and ball joint fatigue test as well as fatigue - life cycle, wear - endurance, ball stud impact and axial movement tests. Production is certified to IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015.

Torque rod guide: selection, failure signs and replacement

A torque rod is the suspension link that connects an axle to the chassis and carries the reaction forces created by driving and braking; it is also known as a reaction rod. Under its EGEROT brand, Özteknik manufactures a torque rod range of 343 codes for Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Scania, Volvo, Iveco, BMC, Renault Trucks, DAF and other makes. This guide covers how to select the right part, recognise failure early and replace it correctly.

What is a torque rod and what does it do?

When engine torque reaches the drive axle of a truck or tractor unit, the axle housing reacts to the force turning the wheels: it tries to rotate about its own axis and to shift forwards or backwards. The same happens in the opposite direction under braking. The torque rod transfers this reaction into the chassis and holds the axle in position and at the correct angle. As a result:

the axle stays square and parallel to the chassis, so the vehicle tracks straight,
the propeller shaft angle is maintained and driveline vibration is avoided,
leaf springs or air springs are relieved of forces they are not designed to carry,
tyres roll true and irregular wear is reduced.

A typical torque rod consists of a steel tube body and two end eyes. The eyes usually carry rubber-to-metal bushes (silent blocks); some applications use ball-joint ends. Torque rods work mainly on drive axles, especially on tandem rear-axle trucks and tractor units with leaf or air suspension, and they also locate the rear axle on buses and coaches. Depending on the vehicle they are mounted longitudinally, transversely or diagonally; on some tractor units a V-stay replaces the upper rods.

How to select a torque rod

The most reliable way to find the right torque rod is the OE number. Enter the number from the vehicle's parts catalogue or from the old part in the OE number search and the matching EGEROT code is listed. Sample OE numbers in the range: MAN 81.43220-6096, MAN 81.43220-6258, MAN 81.43220-6275 and Mercedes-Benz A 393 320 01 32.

Besides the OE number, the following details narrow the choice:

Vehicle make and model: even within one make, different rods are used depending on the series and chassis type.
Axle and position: front or rear drive axle, upper or lower mounting, left or right side.
Dimensions: tube diameter and length, type of bush in the eyes and mounting bore.
Connection type: bushed or ball-joint ends, and the angle of the eyes relative to each other.

Most EGEROT torque rod codes fall within the following dimension range:

Dimension	Typical range
Tube diameter	42–52 mm
Length	480–750 mm

Shorter, longer or heavier special types outside this range also exist. Before ordering, compare the old part with the values on the product page and always confirm the dimensions; this is decisive when one OE number matches more than one code.

Failure symptoms

When a torque rod wears, the symptoms usually appear around the drive axle:

Knocking or clunking from the rear when pulling away, changing gear or braking
The vehicle pulls to one side and needs constant steering correction on a straight road; dog tracking on tandem axles
One-sided or irregular wear on the drive axle tyres
Driveline vibration under acceleration
Cracked, torn, extruded or debonded bush rubber
Play at the rod ends detectable with a pry bar, shiny wear marks on the mountings
A bent or dented tube body after an impact

Inspection and replacement

Check torque rods at every scheduled service and whenever one of the symptoms above appears:

Inspect the vehicle on level ground, chocked and secured; on air suspension, at normal ride height.
Visually check the bushes, body, brackets and bolts for cracks, rust traces and looseness.
Lever the ends with a pry bar and watch for play; there should be no relative movement between the bush and its housing.
If the bracket holes are ovalised or cracked, repair or replace the bracket too.

Points to observe during replacement:

Symmetrical rods on the same axle carry similar loads; if one is badly worn, check the opposite one and replace them as a pair if needed. On tandem axles, assess all rods together.
Follow the tightening torque and procedure in the vehicle manufacturer's service manual. On rubber-bushed joints the final tightening is normally done with the vehicle on its wheels and the suspension at normal ride height; otherwise the bush remains pre-loaded.
Renew self-locking nuts and bolts as specified by the manufacturer.
On adjustable-length rods, set the length to the value specified by the manufacturer.
Have the axle alignment checked after fitting.

Safety: a torque rod is a suspension part that directly affects driving safety and must be fitted by qualified personnel. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack; secure it on suitable axle stands.

Production and testing at Özteknik

EGEROT torque rods are made in-house at the plant in Kemalpaşa, İzmir, where Özteknik has been manufacturing since 1971: tube forming, machining of the end eyes, welding, heat treatment, surface preparation, bush assembly, painting and testing all take place under one roof. Details are on the production and R&D page. Tests applied across the EGEROT product line include:

Torque rod and ball joint fatigue test
Fatigue - life cycle test
Wear - endurance test
Ball stud impact test
Axial movement test

Production runs under a quality management system certified to IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015; the certificates are on the quality and certificates page. EGEROT torque rods are manufactured to OE quality.

Vehicles covered

Mercedes-Benz has the most codes in the range, followed by MAN, Scania and Volvo. Iveco, BMC, Renault Trucks and DAF are also covered, along with codes for Ford and Liebherr vehicles and for Neoplan and Bova buses. Example models include the Mercedes-Benz NG / SK and O 500, and the Scania 4 Series and G, R and K series.

Sample products: ER0600 and ER0909 for MAN, ER0221 for Mercedes-Benz and ER0919 for Renault Trucks. All steering and suspension parts of the brand are on the EGEROT page, and every torque rod is listed in the torque rod catalogue.

You can add the codes you need to the quote list or send us your OE numbers via the contact page. OE numbers and brand names are given for comparison purposes only.