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?

 

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

 

I inspected all the bushings as well, and the only ones that really need replacement right now are the ones that go into the little bar that connects the sway bar onto the contol arm. I'm assuming the whole bar is replaced rather then trying to push those little bushings in.

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.

 

I think the correct way to test tie rod ends is to get a pull scale and see how many lbs of force it takes to turn the stud.

James

 

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

 

Dang, I didn't try that one. I just yanked on it to see if the bearings are still good. I'll jack it up when I get home again today and check. I rotated the tires as well, and wear looks normal on the fronts, so I don't think anything too major is fucked up.