I have some spare outer tie rod ends laying around and would like to know if they are messed up or not. The boots are ripped on both. Are the balljoints supposed to spin and move freely, or are they pretty stiff in place? Could I just buy new tie rod boots or would I need to buy new tie rods?


Modified by lmananT at 6:32 PM 10/20/2008

 

ball joints should be fairly firm. i think napa sells outers for around 15 each...when u replace them make sure you don't move the nut, just unscrew the tir rod

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by elmalouno &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ball joints should be fairly firm. i think napa sells outers for around 15 each...when u replace them make sure you don't move the nut, just unscrew the tir rod </TD></TR></TABLE>




thanks for the tip. would i need to take off the boot(#23) to replace it? and would i need to loosen the nut first(#34)?

 

loosen 34 and unscrew the entire outer tie rod. and i would buy moog tie rods, unless napa comes with warranties.

 

so the really loose balljoint is gone for sure? im on a budget and would like to see if just replacing the boot is an option.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lmananT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">so the really loose balljoint is gone for sure? im on a budget and would like to see if just replacing the boot is an option.</TD></TR></TABLE>
No not really. I am pretty sure the only way to buy these is by buying the whole outer tie rod end. Which as stated before its only like 10-15 dollars.

 

when you change these crack the nut loose so that the tie rod is able to unscrew but DO NOT loosen the nut, you want the nut to stay in the same place when you install the new rod. if you move the nut it can throw off your alignment

 

if the boot was torn and driven on for unknown amount of miles, the tie rod nearly likely needs to be replaced.

new balljoints are tight, but thats a new balljoint. it shouldnt be hanging loose and limp either, thats for sure in need of replacement.

really only way to tell for sure is to install it and jerk the steering wheel and feel for play. theres no way you could replicate the forces by hand, off the car. but why bother, just get a new one.