Tie Rod mishap ??

[Robdaparamedic]

I changed my outer tierod ends at different times from different parts stores, due to location ect... Long story short, now when turning, my tires are a mess. I have a ridiculous sound of the tire skipping/sliding. Is there a way to get these in a ballpark area ??? I'm going to buy another one and change it so I have same manufacturer/sizes. Thanks

Rob

[catvents]

Basic question but just in case, is the car has been aligned (wheel alignement) after tie rod replacement?

[shawcross]

did u ever get ur tires aligned by measure the middle of each tire

[catvents]

I do not think that this type of measurement will be acurate enought to get the exact toe in toe out according to the car (van) specification. A correct (and not temporary) wheel alignement must be done on an alignement machine.

[12Ounce]

I know most don't agree with me ... but I think you can get them in the "ballpark" like you asked.

1. First come to a slow stop on level ground with the steering wheel pointed straight ahead.
2. Adjust each tie-rod end (loosen the lock nut on the outer rod end and turn the inner rod using the flats provided) 'til the wheel on that side is parallel with its rear wheel ... just sight along the outside surface of the tire ... about half-wheel high. Don't leave anything too loose ... but take a short drive and return to the same parking spot.
3. Repeat 1 & 2 'til things get pretty "close". By the time you do several adjustments, you will get feel for what's going on ... if not, call for some expert help. Be sure to tighten everything before finishing the task.
.
4. After all adjustments by whomever, visit an alignment shop unless you have reason to believe the alignment is close to perfect and a shop visit is not necessary.

[wiswind]

In short, whenever you replace a tie rod end, a alignment must be done in order to have the front tires running in parallel with each other.
The tie rod is adjusted to determine the angle of the tire......front in/out relative to the rear of the tire.
Not a good explaination......but the tie rod is a steering component, when you turn the steering wheel, it is what turns the tires.
So, as 12ounce is pointing out........you set your steering wheel so that your vehicle is pointing straight ahead......and adust the tie rod so that both tires are pointing STRAIGHT ahead.
As you adjust 1 tie rod......it is turning the tire SLIGHTLY left or right....while the other side is NOT turning.
Point being....you want the front tires tracking exactly together.....or you will wear out your tires.

[Robdaparamedic]

Thanks for the input people. I had an alignment done not too long ago and hate like hell to pay for another. I am at fault because I should have just got the same manufacturer and replaced them both at the same time. The second one I got was a 1/4 shorter than the old one and I made wrong adjustment. It shreaded the tire in a couple of weeks. Now I moved it back and then some and the van just isn't right. I'll have to get an allignment sooner or later because it's much cheaper than buying new tires. Thanks again.

Rob

[northern piper]

I agree with 12Ounce. I've replaced several tie rods, inner and outer, and have taken careful, accurate measurements before and after the work. Couple of assumptions here, mainly that the measurement before was somewhat accurate and that you can accurately re-create this same measurement with the new components. The last time I did mine I managed to get the alignment "within spec" although not what was suggested as ideal. So, it's possible but to consider that you could do this all without having a final alignment in my opinion is crazy. You'd chew thru tires at a horrendous rate at least and could cause a serious accident at best.

I consider an alignment an annual expense allowing piece of mind.

Piper

[Robdaparamedic]

I completely reversed the process that I messed up. I replaced both outer tie rods and put them both back to where they were after I had the last allignment. I also measured the distance from each front tire at front and back. The closest I can get them is within 3/8". This may be from my son going in a ditch at 45mph. The van runs great and the tires are wearing evenly. It handles fine and dosen't pull to either side. I got a set of used tires for $40 and I'm going to see how they wear before having another allignment. Call me cheap...because that's what I am. I will be purchasing a new set of snows if this works out or bite the bullet for an allignment. Thanks to all once again. FYI..wearing on outside, adjust tie rod in. Wearing on inside, adjust tie rod out.

Rob