10-year old Turbo Tie Rod. Replace?

[cab83_750]

I have my tie rod replaced 10 years ago. Is it time to replace? How long do these last? Are they like shocks where they wear as they age? Aggressive driving? Potholes?

I am just wondering since when I lifted the front of my car and shook both left and right wheels (grabbed at 3 and 9 o'clock), there seems to be a very very slight 'ticking play'. Other than the 3 and 9 o'clock check, are there other ways of checking for the rod's health? Symptoms?

As a clarification, when I did the test, the left wheel was elevated and the right wheel was on the ground. Vice ersa for the right wheel.

Thanks.

[rnln]

That play you are talking about, it might be your bearing.

[SteveinTO]

Does it look like this?



If not, the "clicking" could be the wheel bearing.

To check the tie rod end, insert thumb between the steering arm and the other side of the ball in the rod end. Since that lame description made no sense to me, what you want to "feel" is the specific play between the ball & the socket. It's easier if someone else rocks the wheel while you "feel."

It's even easier with the wheel off and a piece of angle iron clamped to the rotor.

Good luck!

[cab83_750]

Originally Posted by rnln

That play you are talking about, it might be your bearing.

I thought the bearing check is grabbing the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock. BTW, the bearings were also replaced by me at the same time as the tie rods. This check resulted to no-play.

[cab83_750]

Originally Posted by SteveinTO

Does it look like this?



If not, the "clicking" could be the wheel bearing.

To check the tie rod end, insert thumb between the steering arm and the other side of the ball in the rod end. Since that lame description made no sense to me, what you want to "feel" is the specific play between the ball & the socket. It's easier if someone else rocks the wheel while you "feel."

It's even easier with the wheel off and a piece of angle iron clamped to the rotor.

Good luck!

Steve,

Looks like you still have the old turbo tie-rod. No, my rods do not look like that. In an attempt to give you a not-so-lame description , "I can move the wheel very very very slightly with a slight 'tick' sound."

I'll try your 'thumb' recommendation.