I am just curious as how to tell the inner would need to be replaced? i know how to check the tie rod ends.

im not 100% sure but i went to get an alignment a long time ago, and they said they couldn't do it because of either the inner or outer tie rod was bad, i cannot remember. I believe my driver side tie rod end is bad as it does have a very slight give and makes a little click noise or something when moved..

Also the driver side boot is falling apart, so that's why i asked, maybe dirt has gotten in a messed it up.

also, should i replace my tie rod end with oem or aftermarket from an auto-parts store? same question for the inners (if bad)

 

You check it the same way you check the outer one. Lift the car and hold the wheel and go left and right . Have someone look under the car at the tie rod as you move the wheel and you should be able to see whether it's the inner or the outer one. Also make sure the click noise isn't coming from the wheel bearing or the control arms. As far as what to replace it with, its your choice really, but I would recommend replacing parts that have to do with the safety of the car with oem parts or aftermarket ones on the expensive side. Trust me, although it can be fun you don't want a wheel coming off on an off ramp Hope this helps

 

Got an idea of how much oem cost?

 

Just ordered new oem inner and outer with the boots(mine were both ripped bad) total was about $340

 

I just puchased two outer and inner tie rods from Advance Auto and look what showed up at my door. I read on another thread that the inners came in a factory Mazda bag but the pics were not on the thread. The best thing about getting parts from Advance is you can always find a discount code for up to 40% off!!!

Price from Mazda for Inner was $82.59 (forum discount) and the price from Advance Auto was $48.99 (before discount and free shipping).

Discount code site:
http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com

Pics of new Inner Tie Rods in OEM Mazda wrap:



My thought process is if Moog makes the inner for Mazda or some how sources it than the outer has to be of the same quality.
Outer Tie Rod:

 

BTW: just removed my donor 1993 inner tie-rod and measured the following:

rod to rack: M16 x 1.0 (fine thread)
tie-rod end: M12 x 1.25

My understanding is that the 94+ has a different rod to rack thread-pitch: M16 x 1.5

:-) neil

 

You do realize that these are all old *** threads? No need to spam, you can post the info in a single thread and if people search they will find it.