Worn 'Tie Rod' at 49.000 km ?!

[Peter Solarik]

Hi Everybody!
I am back after longer pause. (Which could be interpreted also as a good mark for Centuries) (:-)
Recently I heard a metalic small click sound every time in slow speed when driwing over small bumps on the road. Had an automotive technician at our college Auto Department 'look at it' and he found that tie road (outer, on right side) is worn. Well, there is solution to it of course - get a new one. That I'll do, no problem.
The question is:
The technician told me that only the faulty needs replacement. Should this be sufficient or should I get both of them changed? How come the tie rod lasted only 49.000 km? I am not driving on rough country rods.
How much the rods are?
Have a nice Christmass and may your Century give you a yet another year of a good service.
What you guys think of the new Allure Buick? I almost won one in promotional drive.
Regards
P.S.

[tbaxleyjr]

Dont want to sound like a smart alek - what model is your Century? This car had an 18 - 19 yr production run on the A and the W platforms and it is tough to try to help when you don't know what you are dealing with.

tir rod ends for a 1990 Century run between $25 and $35 each depending on if you need inner or outer ones. You may need a pickle fork or other special tool to separate them (the shop manual for the car can provide details) and definitely plan on spending $50 to have the front end aligned after replacing them

In my mind, 49,000 kM is a not a lot of wear for tie rod ends if the car has been serviced regularly - some of my cars have gone for over 160000 miles and the front end components remain tight

[Peter Solarik]

[quote=tbaxleyjr]Dont want to sound like a smart alek - what model is your Century?

Thank you for your response!
Oops, I forgot to specify the make of my Century.
It is Century 2000, with 3.1 engine in it.
You mentioned that with regular service, the frond end should last longer, (much longer).
The car have had the regular service done until 31.000 Km (until I purchased it). From then on, I done the oil changes myself. I was told that this Century does not have lubricating points on the front steering linkages. Is it not correct? What did you exactly mean by 'regular service' ? Sorry to taking your time with this minor 'problems'.
Merry Christmas to all.
Peter Solarik
Canada

[tbaxleyjr]

If yours does not have grease fittings, you have done all of the service you can do. My 1990 still has fittings which need a couple of pumps of grease a couple of times a year

[public]

Even without grease they should last longer than 49K. Could have taken a bad pothole at one time.

[tbaxleyjr]

Originally Posted by public

Even without grease they should last longer than 49K. Could have taken a bad pothole at one time.

definitely