Tie Rod replacement?

Just got some new tires put on old ones were on there way out (constant ABS in rain). I got some uniroyal AWG II i think. Are the good tires? Anyways, i was informed that my Left front inner and outer tie rod needed to be replaced. I was quoted a $480 dollar price. I plan on doing it myself. My question is is it pretty easy to replace. It seems so from the Haynes manual. and are there any tips or tricks or special tools that might be useful. Help would be appreciated.

I got some uniroyal AWG II i think. Are the good tires? .
Ah, the Uniwobble tire!

Here is a good description of Uniroyals (first paragraph)
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070812201322AAoKuvR
That article jives with what I have heard from mechanics, etc (even tire stores that sell Uniroyals) for many years.

I (and many people I have known) have had trouble with Uniroyal tires. In the past, they seem to develop belt shifts which make then lumpy, out-of-round or difficult to balance. This does not happen right away; usually when the tires are about half-worn or more.

Google "Uniwobbles" and you will see what I mean.

However, the tire market is very competitive. There is an excellent chance that they are made better these days and you will not have such problems.:)

As for the tie rod end.... you will need a tool for popping the outer rod out of the steering knuckle. A tie rod pickle fork will do but I prefer the tie rod press (looks like a special C-clamp).
With that tool and the correct torque specs, it's an easy job. When you unscrew the inner rod, count how many turns of the rod are required to unscrew it from the steering rack. Then install the new parts with the same number of turns. This way, the alignment (toe) will be close to what you had before. However, you will still need an alignment when you are done.

FWIW, if you are keeping the car for a decent length of time, consider doing the tie rods on the right side as well, while you are at it.

Hope I didn't screw my self over. I had some cheap tires on at first, Herculeus tires on the front and BF goodwreinch tires on the back. The BF tires were still goood but worn down. The herculeus which I bought lasted 30k but Didn't like the look or the way the performed.

Does autozone or advance auto rent they tool you were talking about out? I do plan on keeping the car till it falls apart so I guess i have to do have to change both sides out. Should I do the outer and inner tie rod on both sides?

Imho these tools are very common so a tool rental place should have them.
Just be sure to get the 'tie rod' tools, not the 'ball joint' tools.
They look similar but are not interchangable.

The tie rod versions are smaller and look like this:
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kti71501.html

If you do get this pickle fork version, you unbolt the tie rod end and use the fork like a wedge in between the steering knuckle arm and the tie rod end.
Then whack the end of the fork with a big hammer. It's more effective if you hit it in the direction of the front wheel, not the steering rack.

And yes, I think you should do outer and inner on both sides, since both sides have the same mileage and should have about the same wear...unless someone else has already changed the right side in the past.

I replaced my left tie rod end about a year ago. Very easy job. One very easy way to loosen tie rod is to unscrew the nut on tie rod just up to the top before taking it off. Smack it with a sludge hammer and it should pop right off. It only took one hit for me and it came off. Also other cars I have replaced tie rods it would pop off after a few well place smacks. But a pickle fork would also be just fine.

Make sure you buy a US made tie rod. Mine was around $55.00 to $60.00. Should you replace both sides? Depends if you know if it was your fault about the tie rod being bad. I ran over what looked like a 4 by 4 hunk of wood on a late rainy night last winter. I knew what caused the problem. But check the other tie rod end for tightness.

You should have your alignment checked when done. I've found over the years if you ask enough questions about repair work on anything you can usually do it yourself. Good luck. :)

Repair shops are great for over bidding on work to be done.
I would just do the outside tie rods first and then put the tires on and check for play from 3 and 9 o'clock. Anyways that worked for me on my 2002.
I bought the pickle fork at harbor freight for 3.99

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=1759

Most major auto parts will rent the tool or the c-style tool for free also (buy then return).

Like another poster said - I loosened the set nut on each tie rod by backing it off one turn then counting the turns to screw the tie rod off. The new tie rods may come with grease fittings so you may need a grease gun too.

I was pretty sure it would be an easy job. Just had to ask anway becuase sometimes the easiest jobs turn out to be a pain. I was quoted my price for the tie rods and told that I need to get it done ASAP so it wouldn't mess up my new tires $480 as I mentioned early. I then told him I took auto mechanics class in college and he said I guess your going to do it yourself. And I told his YES.

Not knowing a lot about cars can take a lot of cash out of your pocket.

With the money you save maybe you can put a couple new struts on the front before you get your alignment.

I've been pricing parts including new struts. I'ts more than I want to pay for. I did the bounce test on all sides of my car. Each side rebounded it one too two bounces and i did it several time at diffrent intensities. My passenger side rear strut is leaking. I know this for a fact ( extended compressor time, compressor stays on if there is a rear passenger or weight on that side). So Im going to definantly replace them. I've seen to many H body cars and cadillacs with the rears sagging.

Since my car has nearly 150k on it should I replace the front struts or could I go without replacing them. They seem ok but with 150k, at least that what I assume 40k I know of, on them maybe its time to replace. Is it worth the investment.

I planned on using the NAPA brand. Seems to be a Monroes sensa track strut in disguise. Cost $76 apeice at the store. Anybody know were you can get them cheaper.

Trying to save some $$ but ant the same time I want to take care of things if need be so it won't come and hunt me back in the future.

Went and tested the side they said the tie rod was bad on. It has play it 3o'clock and 9o'clock position. Specifically at the 3o'clock position. The other side is nice and tight. I gues this explains the slight vibration all this time at speeds between 65-75mph.

I put the sensa tracks on my 98 LeSabre all the way around and I like them
It was well worth the cost to have the car ride like new again.
I found them cheapest at Pep Boys
My pump had gone out probably from road salt so I put a manual fill kit on with the valve inside the trunk

Next up is my 2002

How do you take off the Power steering boot. Did the outer tie rod. Still slight play. So im guessing the inside tie rod is worn but I cant get the boot off

So I replaced the driver's side outer tie rod and put grease in the tie rod. But there is a creaking sound, like when you open a door that need lubracation on the hinges,when you turn the driver's side tire inwards. Is this due to the new tie rod, is it wearing in, or something else. Didn't hear this sound before the tie rod exchange.

Would really appreciate a response. I'm kinda wishing I didn't do the tie rod exchage now.:mad: It's the inner tie rod thats worn. And to do that I would have to take the how steering rack out.:runaround: . So its not going to get done. Gotta start saving money.

I have no idea with info just over the net. Something must be loose to be making the creaking sound. It could be lots of things. Is the sound when you have it on a jack stand or the tire on the ground?

It happens with the tire on the ground. I don't think I heard it when it was off the f ground but I will check. You can hear it more at lower speed and on kinda tight right turns. It irrating me becuase I don't remember this sound before and now I have to get an alignment. I will give it a couple more days. and then probably put the old one back on. Just irratated right now.

I had tie rods in my caliber replaced and i'm hearing a creaking sound at low speeds as well. when i go over bumps and pull into my driveway from an angle. any idea why?? i will have to call the dealership monday.

Will bad tie rods result in wheel vibration at high speeds? Just had car checked out for unrelated problem and they told me my tie rods need to be replaced. I have noticed vibration at speeds of about 65+. I thought maybe wheel balance or cupping, but never bothered to get it checked. I would be willing to do the tie rods myself if it is not too difficult, they quoted me 215.00 for rods and alignment. Is that a fair price?

I think that's close to what they quoted me at I'd have to check after work to make sure. I had them fixed under warranty and the dealership also said my lower control arms needed replaced. The warranty contractorr would only cover the tie rods so I only had those fixed. Took it back into the shop a week later and the contractor came back out and replaced the control arms too.