Hi guys,
My 95 Civic has this small problem, when I drive it faster than about 70-80 km/h, I can feel it wonder a little bit, if the pavement is not even, sometimes it will swing left or right, not very noticeable, but I can feel it.

I have recently replaced the lower ball joint up front, and the 2 big trailing control arm bushings in the back.

Last weekend, when I put the snow tires on, I tried to inspect the suspension parts, and I found that I can twist the outer tie rod end a little bit, as can be seen at at this youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peW0979a3fc

Does this mean my outer tie rod end is shot and needs to be replaced? The outer side is similar.

Thanks!

 

No, it is supposed to twist like that. You need to check for play by putting the tire back on, and grab the tire at 3 & 9 o'clock and wiggle the tire in/out. If you feel play there then it's bad, and if you don't then it's still good.

 

Thanks TheJGB3,

I tried the 9-3 clock wiggle method, and 12-6 clock too when I changed the tires.

When I did the 9-3 clock wiggle, the whole rack got "pushed" in and out a little, and the steering wheel turns left and right a little, but the "ball joint" on the outer tie rod end had no play.

IS this a problem with the rack?

Thanks again!

 

if the car wonders i would guess wheel bearings are bad and if its a rack prob get into car and vigorously pull wheel left to right if it makes a cracking sound then the rack is goin.

 

thanks shoklid, I will try your method.