Inner tie rods

[petermar]

Refer to the post about the front end alignment and OEM shocks. Shortly after I had the tires and shocks replaced, I began to notice a wander, so I returned it to the Goodyear dealer for a check. At that time, the technician showed me the right inner tie rod which was loose (this at 50,124 miles) and advised replacement. I saw the tie rod and it looked loose to me. At a cost of $181.45, he replaced the tie rod.

I receently took it back to get the rotation, balance and alignment done. I was advised that the left inner tie rod was worn and loose to the point where it needed replacement (at 66,810 miles). Again, it looked loose to me. This time the estimate for repalcement and alignment was $369.42 Inflation????

I have not had the work done yet, but it is my feeling that this is premature wear and something is not right. In the interest of truth and justice, I took the truck to the local GMC dealer where the estimate was $200.00, a little more reasonable.

This is just FYI.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by petermar

Refer to the post about the front end alignment and OEM shocks. Shortly after I had the tires and shocks replaced, I began to notice a wander, so I returned it to the Goodyear dealer for a check. At that time, the technician showed me the right inner tie rod which was loose (this at 50,124 miles) and advised replacement. I saw the tie rod and it looked loose to me. At a cost of $181.45, he replaced the tie rod.

I receently took it back to get the rotation, balance and alignment done. I was advised that the left inner tie rod was worn and loose to the point where it needed replacement (at 66,810 miles). Again, it looked loose to me. This time the estimate for repalcement and alignment was $369.42 Inflation????

I have not had the work done yet, but it is my feeling that this is premature wear and something is not right. In the interest of truth and justice, I took the truck to the local GMC dealer where the estimate was $200.00, a little more reasonable.

This is just FYI.

do these tie rods have grease fittings ?

[marksatterfield]

Wow, inflation at it's best.

I've had the same experience. My opinion of replacing inner tie rod assemblies is that if one of the assemblies is worn out, the rack and both sides should be replaced.

--Mark

http://www.marksatterfield.com

[petermar]

No there are nor grease fittings, They are sealed units.

[petermar]

In reference to Goodyear and the inner tie rods--I took the truck to the GMC dealer who inspected the tie rods (at a cost of $35.00 ) and their front end specialist found no problems. I was curious, so I took it to a reputable independent alignment shop who also informed me there was not a problem with the tie rods. He was a very nice man who didn't charge me for the diagnosis. He was glad to get someone to spread the word about the Godyear practices. I did return to Goodyear to make some accusations (with written proof to avoid a potential lawsuit) so they are not very happy with me, but I really don't much give a damn.

[rockwood84]

some shops will look for stuff that will give them more business ,you go in for one thing and they give you a list of ten more that according to them are dangerously in need of replacement.these shops you want to avoid in the future.

[rhandwor]

If you put the vehicle on jack stands you can put your hand on the tire. Push and pull on the side of the tire. If they are bad you can feel movement.
This is a picture of a tool for this job rent borrow or buy.
http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsmain/tool/T_4009.htm
The part will cost you around $35.00 to $40.00. You need an alignment when done but measure between tires and set close.