Outter Tie Rod? Spark Plugs? Outside Door/Lower Trim

[jessiebighamKC]

2001 Pontiac GrandPrix GTP, 202,000miles, custom made cold air intake, everything else is stock, as far as I know.

Ok when it snowed pretty good here in kansas city, kansas. I was driving and started to spin going down a hill and I bounced off the curb twice. That happend 2days ago. Well yesterday I was driving down the highway and hit a big pot hole in the highway and the next thing I know my steering went all the way to the right. I pulled over and no matter which way I would turn the steering wheel, my front passenger tire wouldnt move. I jacked the car up and took off the tire and my outter tie rod/Ball joint came loose, it wasnt broke at all. I took the outter tie rod/Ball joint off and looked at the threads inside and they were good looked at the tie rod itself and it was good to. I Screwed the ball joint back on to the tie rod to where the nut was at. Its working just fine again. Does anyone know why this happend or what could of caused it? Also is anyone familair with the Auto Iridium Spark Plugs? I think they are like $9.99 or $10.99. Im just curious because Ive been using Autolite 606's and they only last about a month or a little longer. So, I put in the Bosch Platiums and they didnt even last a day. Ive heard alot of people at the Parts Stores say I need the Autolite Iridium Plugs because they handle more heat and will last the longest in the car and they come with a lifetime warranty. Anyone have any clues on this? Ok now for the last thing! On my Passenger Side door, the little trim along the bottom of the door is coming off or pulling away from the door. Does anyone know how to take it off and fix it to where it stays on the door?

[richtazz]

Which part came loose, the ball joint or outer tie rod? The outer tie rod attaches to the end of the steering rack and moves left and right when you turn the wheel, the ball joint goes through the lower control arm and is what the spindle pivots on.

On the plugs, if you're not modded, stick with Platinum or Iridium plugs for longevity. If you race it and check/change plugs often, that's where the cheaper cost factor of non-platinum plugs is advantageous. Avoid Bosch like the plague, and stick with Autolite double Platinum/Iridium, AC-Delco, NGK Iridium, or Nippondenso Iridium as these 4 brands are proven good performers.

[Airjer_]

It sounds like what he described is the threaded part of the inner tie rod pulled out of the outer tie rod. He reinstalled it until it hit the jam nut. If this is correct than it will likely fail again. Do yourself a favor and replace the inner and outer tie rods and have it aligned before you continue to drive the vehicle!