At high speeds and slight turns my steering wheel shakes. My local shop told me my tie rod and ends need replacement. My question is: can I do this myself? Can I use aftermarket sway bar and links to replace this (I'd like to upgrade while I'm at it ) ?

 

Tie rod ends and sway bar links are totally different pieces. Which do you need? If its the tie rod ends just get ones from a local parts store(Moog if they have them). If its the sway bar links get the adjustable ones from racing beat. Something else to check with your shaking at high speed - tire balance or possibly a bad tire. I would get a second opinion since there are many things that can cause a shake or vibration.

 

Its not very hard to do. Sometimes air tools help a lot getting the tie-rod bolt off, but I just took mine off a few weeks ago no problem with just hand tools. Just mark them when you take them off so the new ones go on the same way.
http://www.mazdatrix.com/h86-92.htm
They are about $50 a piece. They also have the end links and whatever else you want to upgrade.


edit: second opinion would also be good like he said

 

Oh thanks, I guess I didn't realize that tie rod ends and sway bar links were different. I will definitely get a second opinion on the shaking. But, man, I would love to get the whole RB suspension kit sway bars, links, springs and shocks and .... Oh well, I can dream.

 

Oh yeah, I meant to add: A buddy of mine told me there was no way I could replace the tie rods myself. I really want to do it myself if possible, and I know I can get them at reasonable price from mazdatrix - so any pointers, or maybe a good thread out there I missed on the search?

 

The tie rods are easy to replace you just need an alignment afterwards. Don't try to eyeball it straight. It will never work.

 

You should also note that there are INNER tie rods and OUTER tie rods---both do wear so both need to be checked.Changing the inners is a little more tricky than changing outers.