Front end problem?

[guitarfish]

Guys,

My 2002 GP GT has 162K on it and is in great shape overall, however I think the front end has something wrong.

Over the winter, I began to notice a slight vibration in the front end at 60+ mph. Spring came and I got two new tires mounted and balanced, however, there was little noticable improvement in the front end.

I drove my son's '04 GP the other night, at 70mph it's smooth as silk. However, mine is an uncomfortable ride, a slight but ever present unevenness that will make things like a CD case sitting on the seat, or the headrests, slightly move back and forth.

This afternoon while replacing the front brakes, I did the 3-9 o'clock and 6-12 o'clock check on each wheel. 6-12 o'clock is perfect, no play or movement, no noise. However, 3-9 o'clock makes a definite klunk-klunk sound on each wheel.

What does this sound like? Tie rods ends? I replaced my wheel bearings around 100K, I think they're OK. I need to get this puppy smooth again.

Thanks

[BNaylor]

With 162K miles I'd considering replacing at least both outer tie rod ends. Replacing the inner is a different story and difficult. When was the last alignment? An alignment shop should be able to tell you what steering and/or suspension components are worn out. With bad tie rods the toe in/out will be out of spec.

[guitarfish]

This morning I decided to drop it off at a shop I use. They've done alignments for me before, and it's been about a year (35K miles). I have a feeling it will be the outer tie rod ends.