A very dumb question

[so2315]

I have a 2000 Windstar, and have the dreaded squeaking and moaning in the front end when I turn the wheels. I have tried the needle and grease trick which worked for some time, but now I have some wobble in the steering wheel at low speeds.
My question is this: Do most people consider the tie rod ends to be the ball joints, or is ball joints a separate item from the tie rod ends? I called Auto Zone and they only stock the outer tie rod ends for $29.99, and have to special order the inner tie rod ends. Should I do them all or just the outer ones? Also, any tips on replacing these so I don't have to get a new alignment?

[LeSabre97mint]

[quote=so2315]I have a 2000 Windstar, and have the dreaded squeaking and moaning in the front end when I turn the wheels. I have tried the needle and grease trick which worked for some time, but now I have some wobble in the steering wheel at low speeds.



My question is this: Do most people consider the tie rod ends to be the ball joints, or is ball joints a separate item from the tie rod ends?

NO balljoints are the joints that allow the steering to turn right and left. Tie rods are the joints that "tie" the right and left wheels together and do the acutual steering.


I called Auto Zone and they only stock the outer tie rod ends for $29.99, and have to special order the inner tie rod ends. Should I do them all or just the outer ones?

I take it that you're replacing your tie rods to get rid of the noise. I wouldn't think the inner tie rods would need to be replaced unless there is slack in them. I would just replace the outter tie rod ends.

Also, any tips on replacing these so I don't have to get a new alignment?

You could do one joint at a time taking careful measurements from one tire to the other. Make sure you use the same spots for your measurements.

Edit: However, I would get an alignment done like the two post below say.


Regrds

Dan

[DRW1000]

If I were to go through the effort of replacing my tie rods (outers) - on a 5 year old vehicle I would think about getting an alignment any way just to try and max out the remaining life on the tires and ball joints as well as the new tie rods themselves.

Anyone in Hockey Country ever purchase tie rods?. I would imagine they are a lot more at CT.

BTW- No such thing as a dumb question.

[wiswind]

Your alignment does not have to be off by much to ruin your tires.
That is why it take so much time....with specialized....sensitive equipment.
So I would also have an alignment done.
A good alignment will include a good shakedown of the front end ( inspection)......and is well worth the money.

[garync1]

Originally Posted by so2315

I have a 2000 Windstar, and have the dreaded squeaking and moaning in the front end when I turn the wheels. I have tried the needle and grease trick which worked for some time, but now I have some wobble in the steering wheel at low speeds.
My question is this: Do most people consider the tie rod ends to be the ball joints, or is ball joints a separate item from the tie rod ends? I called Auto Zone and they only stock the outer tie rod ends for $29.99, and have to special order the inner tie rod ends. Should I do them all or just the outer ones? Also, any tips on replacing these so I don't have to get a new alignment?

Any time you do anything with the suspension system,steering system you will always need a front end alignment.. If you have any work done to the rear suspension system you will need the rear alignment done as well..If your automobile requires rear alignment. If you do the work yourself,sometimes we take are time on getting that part done.. You still can count the turns when removing the tie rods ends and count the same turns when you put the new ones back on,you will be close. Keep in mind though if the tie rod end was worn out your alignment was already off .. As for doing all of them at the same time its your money, your call, but if there not worn dont worry about em..hope this helps