it seems like one f'in thing after another with my car...*takes breath* ok, tie rod is f'ed on one side and the mechanic at the garage said he can't align it. he says i need an outer tie rod.

should i go about buying the whole tie rod or just the end? i'm on a budget and if i can get away with it, i'd choose just the tie rod end, but will the car still be unalignable with just an end?

i could just trust the mechanic and just buy the end but i wanted some feedback from you guys. you know how mechanics are.

 

what is a tie rod?

 

what do you mean he can not align it? if anything, just go buy the tie rod ends, its pretty cheap. i dont know what problem you have. but ususally the boot gets ripped and people change the tie rod ends, but im not sure if thats your case.

 

Honestly, just get under there and look at it yourself. See what boots are ripped (if any) and inspect those parts and replace them if you need to. Sounds a little wierd, though with the alignment thing .....

 

well, when you have a worn tie rod, you can shake the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock. that means with excessive play like that, your alignment won't stay. you're toe constantly changes. i think i'll just get the ends. thanks guys.