Should I be able to grab my tie rod on my Accord and easily twist it side to side ? I am asking because I notice that I can grab my tie rob and twist it side to side (from front of car towards back of car) and it easily twists and makes a clanking sound each time I twist it. I tried it on my Civic and I am not able to do it. I can turn it a little but not as easily and it does not make any clanking sound on my Civic. I am still trying to figure out my noise my car makes while going over bumps and I am beginning to think this is my problem. Thanks in advance.


Modified by peja43916 at 6:42 PM 10/8/2005

 

You can better check for wear by raising the car and try moving the tire in a 'steering' direction back and forth, if you feel the joint thumping it needs to be replaced.
To answer the question... the joint should have some "twistability".

 

I just did what you suggested and it does make a thumping sound when I move the wheel back and forth at 3 and 9 o'clock so it sounds like the tie rod IS bad, but which one should I replace, the inner or outer one?

 

It's gonna be a four eyeball operation. You're gonna need a helper to move the wheel/tire assembly side to side while you watch the tie rod ends carefully. You don't have to move the tire much to check. If there is no wear, there will be resistance to turning immediately. If there is wear, the tire will move easily at first and then stiffen as the slack is taken up.
The inner tie rods are inspected more by default. IE: if the is no movement with the outer tie rod, but there is still slack, the inner is more than likely worn. It's tough because it's hidden in a sealing boot, and you can't see the joint.