How to see if my tie-rod ends are good?
#1
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How to see if my tie-rod ends are good?
I have my front suspension ripped apart and had a question. My front steering has been a little looser then I like and I originally thought it was my power steering not sensing correctly, I ruled that out though.
Then I thought maybe the balljoints were weak, so I took the wheels off and they check out nicely, but I grabbed the tie-rod end on the passenger side and it doesn't move horizontally (you can't shift it forward/backward, or in and out), but you can "roll" it. I'm assuming it's a ball joint under the dust cover, and the driver's side is solid in all ways, but I can sorta swivel the passenger's side.
Am I correct in thinking to replace it?
Then I thought maybe the balljoints were weak, so I took the wheels off and they check out nicely, but I grabbed the tie-rod end on the passenger side and it doesn't move horizontally (you can't shift it forward/backward, or in and out), but you can "roll" it. I'm assuming it's a ball joint under the dust cover, and the driver's side is solid in all ways, but I can sorta swivel the passenger's side.
Am I correct in thinking to replace it?
#2
Rotary Enthusiast
Originally Posted by uRizen
I have my front suspension ripped apart and had a question. My front steering has been a little looser then I like and I originally thought it was my power steering not sensing correctly, I ruled that out though.
Then I thought maybe the balljoints were weak, so I took the wheels off and they check out nicely, but I grabbed the tie-rod end on the passenger side and it doesn't move horizontally (you can't shift it forward/backward, or in and out), but you can "roll" it. I'm assuming it's a ball joint under the dust cover, and the driver's side is solid in all ways, but I can sorta swivel the passenger's side.
Am I correct in thinking to replace it?
Then I thought maybe the balljoints were weak, so I took the wheels off and they check out nicely, but I grabbed the tie-rod end on the passenger side and it doesn't move horizontally (you can't shift it forward/backward, or in and out), but you can "roll" it. I'm assuming it's a ball joint under the dust cover, and the driver's side is solid in all ways, but I can sorta swivel the passenger's side.
Am I correct in thinking to replace it?
Hot_Dog
90 RX7 GXL
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Originally Posted by Hot_Dog
With the wheels on the ground, grasp the tie rod and apply a back and forth axial force. If you detect any looseness, than either the inner or outer tie rod needs replacing. If your front end appears loose, than I'd suggest replacing your suspension bushings and maybe your upper strut bearings. BTW, the bushings do wear out and require periodic replacement.
Hot_Dog
90 RX7 GXL
Hot_Dog
90 RX7 GXL
I did put the wheels down like you suggested and they aren't loose pushing back and forth, and gave them both some good taps with the hammer both above and below and they didn't budge, so I'm not too worried about them popping out (that happened to both rear upper balljoints on my Accord while going down the street, lol).
I just want to make absolutly sure that I shouldn't put one on order because I can tilt it in place like that.
Thanks for the advice so far.
#5
Nurse I need 1300cc's NOW
they way i check it to jack the car up the ground,, both sides. and grab the tire in the 4 and 8 o'clock positoin and check for play. if is wobbles then something it bad, either a ball joint, or tie rod end. helps to have a friend wiggle the wheel while someone is watching for the movement in the suspected peices
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Originally Posted by alwayssideways
they way i check it to jack the car up the ground,, both sides. and grab the tire in the 4 and 8 o'clock positoin and check for play. if is wobbles then something it bad, either a ball joint, or tie rod end. helps to have a friend wiggle the wheel while someone is watching for the movement in the suspected peices
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