tie rod ends

[d_lazarus]

I had my car aligned about three months ago, but the steering wheel still shakes a little at constant highway speeds. I think it might be the rod ends. Can they be changed without getting another alignment?

[John Dunkle]

Not realy, the suspesion geometry - especially toe-in will most likely be changed. You can try to measure the *exact* length from the center of the old tie-rod (the castelled nut)to where it attaches to the steering rod, BUT typically, it really does not work too well at all since you'll never get it back to its original position....

John

[d_lazarus]

Dang. Well, thanks anyway... It's not like I have anything else to spend all this money on...

[Wayne 962]

The shimmying may be caused by loose or worn ball joints. These have a tendency to wear and cause the car to wobble. Also lift the car up in the air and check the wheel bearings. Worn out wheel bearings can cause the car to shimmy. Also check to make sure the brakes are disengaged. I've seen some cars whose suspension is fine, but the brake discs were asymmetrical, and were catching on the calipers.

Hope this helps,

-Wayne

P.S. No wife (or ex-wife, John) to spend money on?