I just recently jacked my car up to take a look at the play in the drivers side wheel. There was some when my hands were at the 3 and the 9 o'clock position on the wheel. There was absolutely no play at 12 and 6. So I was wondering what could be causing this? I could not take the tire off cause I was pressed for time, but I will to do some further diagnosis.

What do I look for in an outer tie rod that is in need of replacement? Also if that is what needs to be replaced if I order it from honda I don't need to assemble anything correct? Also what about an inner tie rod, could it be that? What do I look for in all these cases. I searched it both on Google and here and just found replacement videos. So any help is appreciated thanks.

I have a 91 civic DX if that helps.

 

Either the inner or outer tie rod, or both are smoked. Get a helper and get under there and look (put jackstands down) for play in the outer tie rod joint as your friend shakes the wheel back and forth. To check for play in the inner, place your hand on the boot and find the joint, if you can feel the joint moving then you'll need an inner tie rod tool to replace it.

 

thank you for the response. Will I need a ball joint seperater tool aswell to replace the outer? I will have to take the tire off and look at the outer tie rod. I can do this myself right?

Also for the outer tie rod, if you buy it from honda its already assembled right?

 

separator tool will defiantly help, but not absolutely needed. Usually a few good whacks with a hammer on the knuckle (where the outer tie rod goes in and bolts to) will break it free.

The inner tie rod is going to be hard to check by yourself, I would keep the wheel on, easier to move back and forth and make the play happen.

You can get a tie rod assembly from any auto parts store pretty much, they are all the same basically. Don't forget to get an alignment after your done, at the very least count the number of turns it takes to come off, and put the new one on the same number of turns.

 

I will have to look, what will I look for on an outer tie rod to diagnose that it is infact that?

I decided that if it is the inner tie rod then I probably will not bother doing that...I took a look at the price and it was a bit too expensive. I also planned on going strictly honda OEM because I got burned with some off brand parts.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBrTRhEl9_E

see the movement?

 

Thats a perfect video...I have been looking all over for one thats blatant as that...instead I see a bunch of removals for it.

I will come back hopefully by tomorrow with results...I hope its not a bushing...or the inner tie rod.

 

Went to go check it today...solid as a rock.. Great... Well I checked the passenger side and that has some movement so I am going to be replacing the passenger side in a few weeks. Thanks

 

So are all these videos that show it accurate? Are they the same on Honda's?