How do you really know when your inner or outer tie rods are gone ?

 

have you looked at them?

 

yea, but what does it really do when it goes bad. specially when you drive ?

 

jack the car up to get that wheel off the ground, grab the wheel on each side, try to move it in and out. if there is play, then you need to replace the tie rod.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 2redstars &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">jack the car up to get that wheel off the ground, grab the wheel on each side, try to move it in and out. if there is play, then you need to replace the tie rod. </TD></TR></TABLE>

That's really not a good way to determine tie rod failure. Usually, if you can get play in the wheel without using the steering rack, it's the wheel bearing.

Look at your tie rods. If the stud is cocked at a funny angle and there's grease all over the place, it's likely done for. If you turn your wheel while driving and there's a lot of slop in the handling, you'll want to check it out. Take pictures and we'll let you know.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Archidictus &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

That's really not a good way to determine tie rod failure. Usually, if you can get play in the wheel without using the steering rack, it's the wheel bearing.

Look at your tie rods. If the stud is cocked at a funny angle and there's grease all over the place, it's likely done for. If you turn your wheel while driving and there's a lot of slop in the handling, you'll want to check it out. Take pictures and we'll let you know.</TD></TR></TABLE>

thats basically what i just said. except your grabbing the wheel and feeling for slop. and by doing this you can see what has play, you can do the same for the upper and lower ball joint.