tie rods

I've been told I need to have the driver side tie rod replaced (passenger side was replaced August of last year. Pontiac house gave me a price no questions asked; when I called another place they asked me if I needed the inner or outer replaced. I've been trying to find out info on tie rods, what they do exactly so I can try to determine if I really need it replaced or are they just looking at dollar signs. My Grand Prix is a 98 with 72K miles.

Replace them. I am an alingment technician. The tie rods is what links your steering together. If one breaks on the right side, then you lose steering on that side, same on left. Most of the time they don't "break" They just get side to side play. It will cause tire wear and in extreme cases loss of control. I wouldn't imagine the cost would be more then $150. You definitly NEED an alignment after it is done. If you do not get one you will wear your tires out very quickly. One other thing, I see alot of 97 and newer grand prix's with bad outer tierods.

The inner tie rod goes into the steering box and gives a left to right problem,(too much play). An outer tie is the one connected to actual hub assembly. This one you should replace if you see any play when push or wiggle the tire away from the car, if your standing under the car where the engine is and pushing out and back. to much play wiggling the tire left and right is the inner

Usually the outer tie rod goes, although the inner can also. As was stated before, tie rods wear and as they do, they cause sloppy steering and if neglected, may separate or break in which you'd lose steering. The inner tie rods connect to the rack n pinion and the outers connect to the steering knuckle. With the vehicle supported and the wheels off the ground, have a friend hold one tire at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock and move the wheel back and forth. At the same time look at the outer tie rod and see if there is any movement in relation to the steering knuckle and the stud of the tie rod. If the tie rod is worn, the stud will move with the knuckle more than with the body of the tie rod. If there is no movement, the tie rod is good. If the stud is moving in relation to the knuckle, the knuckle is worn and needs to be replaced. ( This is not too often.) The inner tie rod is a different design (similar to your shoulder.) If you held your arm straight out and rotated your arm in a circle, this is similar in function to an inner tie rod. The inner tie rod is usually covered with a bellows ( black accordion style boot.) If there is wear, the inner will have play in it also. Again, after you make any repairs, you will have to get the car aligned.
I personally would not give a price over the phone to a customer without first looking at the vehicle first. It is like telling the doctor you have a headache, and him telling you you need to have brain surgery!

Also, keep in mind, there are different quality front end parts. Ask the brand name of the parts they are pricing out for you. Some top quality names of front end parts are Moog, Perfect Circle, TRW and of course ACDelco. Remember if you get a cheaper price, they may be installing cheaper parts. Good quality parts will pay off in the long run in safety, tires, handling and peace of mind!

I had to replace the outter tie rod on my 94 GTP, total cost for parts from the Pontiac dealership was under 11 bucks. A friend did the work for me N/C.