Inner tie rod needs replacing - Is it safe to drive?
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nd4sped
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Depending on how much "play" there is in the tie rod or tie rod end is the question. Generally though when its bad enough you will feel it in the steering wheel. Depending on the state (you being Mass, I don't know the inspection laws up there). In some states those the limit of play is no more than an 1/8" in movement. This amount of movement can cause increased tire wear due to improper toe alignment and will cause the vehicle to pull or push in one direction or the other. This can lead to head on accidents or other collisions.
Note: TOE does not affect camber changes. However CAMBER changes will affect TOE.
Also when there is this excess play int he suspension components an alignment technician can't provide you with a reliable alignment as the front end has to be moved repeatedly during the alignment process. So when the front end is steering left and right and then recentered the machine will get a different reading every time asking for additional unnecessary corrections that has to be done by the tech.
So is it safe, depends on the amount of movement. If its only a small amount then its generally safe but you will cause accelerated wear to the tires.
Several years ago the manufacturers actually set the alignment to naturally fight the crown or grade of the road. As roads have a natural grade to aid in the removal of standing water. This would cause vehicles to veer to the left if you let go of the wheel. However this is not a common practice anymore as it was also determined to be liability and the government told the manufactures to cease this practice sometime in the last 80's early 90's. So this most likely doesn't apply to you, just some useless knowledge.
Note: TOE does not affect camber changes. However CAMBER changes will affect TOE.
Also when there is this excess play int he suspension components an alignment technician can't provide you with a reliable alignment as the front end has to be moved repeatedly during the alignment process. So when the front end is steering left and right and then recentered the machine will get a different reading every time asking for additional unnecessary corrections that has to be done by the tech.
So is it safe, depends on the amount of movement. If its only a small amount then its generally safe but you will cause accelerated wear to the tires.
Several years ago the manufacturers actually set the alignment to naturally fight the crown or grade of the road. As roads have a natural grade to aid in the removal of standing water. This would cause vehicles to veer to the left if you let go of the wheel. However this is not a common practice anymore as it was also determined to be liability and the government told the manufactures to cease this practice sometime in the last 80's early 90's. So this most likely doesn't apply to you, just some useless knowledge.
It's probably ok to drive for quite a while, however sloppy tie rods can be unsafe and will cause alignment issues. Definitely replace the outer at the same time. I would recommend doing inner and outer on both sides at once then take it to have an alignment performed.
Yeah I don't notice anything in the steering. Wasn't even aware of it and I do lots of highway traveling.
Any brand recommendations? Some reason don't trust auto zone duralast with lifetime warranty
Any brand recommendations? Some reason don't trust auto zone duralast with lifetime warranty
Several years ago the manufacturers actually set the alignment to naturally fight the crown or grade of the road. As roads have a natural grade to aid in the removal of standing water. This would cause vehicles to veer to the left if you let go of the wheel. However this is not a common practice anymore as it was also determined to be liability and the government told the manufactures to cease this practice sometime in the last 80's early 90's. So this most likely doesn't apply to you said:
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Moog is what I installed 6+ months ago. They seem to be fine. I purchased new inner boots/bellows from majestic with honda clips though. I also got a "special" tool from AutoZone to take off the inner rods. Made life a lot easier.
nd4sped
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There are NO special tools required. The base is larger (part that screws into the steering rack, you must remove the boot to see it) and it has two large slots that you can put are large wrench on to break it loose. Also it is right loosy, lefty tighty, as I remember.
Do not try to turn the long hexagonal shaft to break it loose. It will not break loose and all you will be doing is moving the TOE angle in or out.
Do not try to turn the long hexagonal shaft to break it loose. It will not break loose and all you will be doing is moving the TOE angle in or out.
Not required, just crank it down and you will be good to go. You can use blue loctite if you so desire.
yea its extremely dangerous. happened to my friend he was racing another hatch he was only about half of 1/8 mile mark whne his broke completely cuseing the car to just yank to the right hard smashing intot he curb broke the rim and brake rotor completely this was about 4 yrs ago
some are and some don't depends on the brand, if it came with the nipple and it has a hole where it screws into then those you have to grease then up. if it doesn't have any fittings or hole then its already pre-greased
thats pretty useful for being able to change them on the side of the road with ease
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They should come greased from the factory. The inner rods don't have grease fittings. Most outer rods don't either.
nd4sped
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INCORRECT, all of those parts come pregreased, with or without the fitting. It may not seem they are greased but they are. People are dumb so the manufacturer of the part has grease applied to them before packaging.
Most of the time the grease fitting is not already installed, this is due to fitment. They produce the same joint which fits dozens of other applications. Some of those applications require a 90 degree fitting due to not being able to get a grease gun on the fitting after installation. Also the fitting may be in the way during installation and would be damaged.
Any heavy duty automotive grade grease will work. These grades of grease have compounds mixed in them to resist water so it doesn't break down as easily.
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