'05 Malibu tie rod bushing replacement?

[MalibuBob]

Been a while since I've been here. If I failed to reply to an earlier topic, I apologize. My '05 Malibu has around 163K miles on it and pretty much runs like a top. It's been one of the most trouble-free cars I've owned. It was just at the dealership for yet another recall repair. When I got it back from the dealer, they told me that the noticed that the right tie rod bushing was pretty much worn out. With this many miles, I'm not surprised. They told me that the bushing can't be replaced on it's own, and that the entire tie-rod has to be replaced. I don't know if they're trying to sell me an entire tie-rod replacement, or if that's the only way to get the bushing from the OEM sources. So, I have a few questions: 1. Is this really the only way to replace the bushing? If so, how hard is it fo the average joe with some mechanical skills to replace the tie rod? 2. Are there aftermarket sources for just the bushing? If so, is it worth doing, or is it just as easy to replace everything? This was my commuter car, and I've just recently retired, so the car now sits next to the garage on a smart charger under a custom cover. I'm not sure how much money I want to sink into it. Any information or opinions are greatly appreciated.

[oldrock&roller]

Sounds like you need tie rod ends. They are 27.00 ea. at Advance auto parts. You need two. There not too hard to install but you will need an alignment after installing them.

[MalibuBob]

Thanks! I'm guessing you're referring to the outer ends, correct? Are there any special tools required to replace these?

Originally Posted by oldrock&roller

Sounds like you need tie rod ends. They are 27.00 ea. at Advance auto parts. You need two. There not too hard to install but you will need an alignment after installing them.

[oldrock&roller]

Yes the outer ends. I just use a hammer and hit the spindle on the side were the rod goes in it and then the rod. Measure or count the treads so you can get the new rod end
closed to the same length as the old one. Good Luck.

[Tech II]

Never heard it called a tie rod bushing...... It's either the outer tie rod or the inner tie rod........need to jack up one wheel at a time......grab wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock, and move side to side.......if you feel play, you need someone to look at the outer tie rod as you move the wheel....if they see no movement where the outer tie rod is attached, then it is the inner tie rod....then check the opposite side....

if you feel movement in the wheel at 3/9, also grab it at 6 and 12 o'clock.....if there is movement there also, then you need a hub bearing....

[slls]

Originally Posted by Tech II

also grab it at 6 and 12 o'clock.....if there is movement there also, then you need a hub bearing....

Or ball joint.

[MalibuBob]

Thanks for all the replies. I haven't noticed any irregularities while driving, and the tires are all wearing evenly. I'll get it checked!

[la1]

If you replace the tie rod ends count the threads on old then screw on the new just as far. You will need a grease gun to grease the new tie rod ends.. You can do a fairly good front end alignment at home. There are videos on how to do on youtube..