Tie Rod Question

lsf911 · lsf911's Garage

I took my 83 sc for an inspection sticker yesterday. The technician couldn't get my car to roll to save his life. He stalled it about 10 times with lots of bucking. He grind the starter twice and also my reverse gear. I was horrified watching him try to pull it into the garage bay.

Once inside, he checked all the lights and then proceeded to roll his jack under the side of the car! It's a good thing I was out there watching and stopped him. He said he would not pass my car if he couldn't jack it up and check the front end. So, I pulled out the jack pad and let him lift each side.

There was a slight side to side motion on the passenger front wheel. The technician immediately said, I can't pass this, the inner tie rod end is bad. He checked the other side for completeness and said that one was fine. So, I have a big "R" sticker now.

When I got home I lifted the car and checked both sides. The slight movement feels the same to me. But I am not a mechanic.

My question, is it possible for a tie rod end to be bad enough to get a rejection sticker and not be able to tell it's bad? There is no vibration at any speed, no wandering on bumps, no slop in the steering wheel. The car feels great.

BTW, my car already has turbo tie rods. They were put in by the PO. Not sure when.

Jesse16 · Jesse16's Garage

Suspicious, I'd go to a different inspector. Maybe he was having a bad day.

UK Carrera · 03-22-2014, 10:50 AM

Are you sure it's the tie rod? Could be wheel bearing adjustment required?

Can you get someone to move the wheel with the car in the air whilst you check the various joints. You should be able to feel where the play is.

UK Carrera · 03-22-2014, 10:53 AM

Just re-read and he's saying the [I]inner[I] end of the tie rod. Suspicious - I'm guessing he didn't really check at all, just felt some movement.

lsf911 · lsf911's Garage

There is definitely a slight side to side movement with the suspension hanging. He just peeked up under there while moving the wheel and he said "definitely the inner tie rod end".

Not sure what to do now. I have a rejection sticker on the car and it's logged in the RMV database I have a front end issue.

Can the inner end on the turbo tie rods wear out? I can see the outer but inner?

manbridge 74 · 03-22-2014, 12:08 PM

Move. Pack up your belongins and GTH outta there.

Inspection guy is clueless...

lsf911 · lsf911's Garage

Great suggestion Jeff!

porsche930dude · porsche930dude's Garage

I see inners go bad just as often as the outers. Confirm the problem with the boot off and replace if needed

lsf911 · lsf911's Garage

Thanks for your input porsche930dude. That's good to know. I will get under there and check it out.

lsf911 · lsf911's Garage

Just following up. As much as I hate to admit it, the technician at the inspection station was correct. The passenger inner tie rod end had some extra play in it. So, I replaced it today. The hardest part of the job was getting the spring retainers back on the boot. That was fun.

Thanks to all who commented.

poorsha · 03-29-2014, 07:29 AM

Did you pass inspection?

lsf911 · lsf911's Garage

Not yet. I need to bring it back on Monday. They are closed today.

poorsha · 03-29-2014, 07:35 AM

Hopefully the same inspector is there ad you can thank him for his observation.
And hopefully that is all you need.
Good luck.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorsha

Hopefully the same inspector is there ad you can thank him for his observation.

Good point. I would search him out. You never know when dividends may pay out for kindness - over and above the fact that he deserves a pat on the back.

lsf911 · lsf911's Garage

I will definitely ask for him. If he's not there I will put a good word in with his boss.