Yes I've searched, still didn't find a definite answer.

How can you tell if the inner or outer tie rods need replacing?

I have done the wiggle test and there is some play side to side.I even marked a line down the outer tie rod ball joint and wiggled the rotor to see if there was play in it, but I couldn't see any. Checked for play by wiggling the tie rod, nothing. The ball joint on it has seen better days too. Torn but still intact. Tried moving the inner tie rod but I couldn't. The steering wheel is off center a bit to the left. No uneven tire wear from what I can see. There is,also no sounds when the wheel is fully turned to that side. I do have some vibrations while driving at certain speeds, but I think that is due to my winter tires being out of ebalance. Sometimes smooth as butter, other times it feels like driving on square wheels.


I plan to have both outers replaced regardless. I just want to make sure that will take care of everything since I require an alignment afterwards. Figured I'd ask here before getting it on a lift.

Please don't reply unless you have experience with this. Thanks

 

I'm not sure what you're asking. How to know if the tie rods need replacing, but you're replacing them anyways? So what does it matter? Do the tie rods like you say. Torn boots should be replaced asap. Don't ask how I know. Yes, I've lost a wheel while driving due to a broken lower balljoint because I was lazy with a 5 lug conversion. Point is. A visual inspection should tell you a whole lot.

Get it aligned, caster adj. should correct your steering wheel center too. Start with balancing your tires. That's the #1 reason people get vibration.

Then if there's still vibrations/etc, there can be a million different things but you'll have narrowed down the obvious.

 

What I'm asking is if there is a way to determine if the inner tie rod is no good. Without taking the outer off and checking for play. There is no clunk sound when I move it, which indicates a bad inner, right?


The tires are likely out of balance. You're right it could be a number of things. Just trying to narrow it down.

 

The inner tie rod is basically a part of the rack and pinion. If that's the boot that's torn, just replace the boot. You shouldn't have to replace the inner rod. I wouldn't even know how that would "go bad" unless u hot something

 

I don't know why it would fail, hence why I'm asking. I know a torn boot doesn't necessarily mean it's busted, but I will have the outers replaced for peace of mind.

Thanks for your input.

 

No problem. Yeah I mean like I said. Unless u hit something, the inner rods should be fine. The outers have balljoints that do wear but the inner rod itself shouldn't need to be replaced.

Start with the obvious, balance and alignment. 90% of the time that's the vibration