Thread: Tie Rod - easy q for y'all

Alright, so wiggling the tire doesn't make it knock, but I definatly hear some knocking when turning and also in a straight line. I took off the tire, and can make the arm that comes off the tie rod turn the knuckle on the tie rod back and forth when I apply a fair bit of force. It doesn't move at all on the right side when I apply the same foce.

The boot isn't split or leaking at all on the tie rod though. Do y'all think it is still shot? I can't figure out where the clunking is coming from if not from there, as the cv axles are fine and the ball joints are fine.

Thoughts?

bump?

Get someone in the driver's seat to move the steering wheel back and forth so you can see if there is any play in the outer or inner tie rods. How do you know the CV joints are good? How/why did you remove the tire?

The CV boots are fine, usually that's the first clue - they're split and shit is everywhere.

I removed the tire because when I jacked it up and shook it right/left, there was no play (which I was always taught is the way to determine if the tie rods are good) but thought I'd take the tire off as well to see if something was loose and causing the sounds.

How do I see if there's any play when they're turning it back and forth, will it be clunking or what is the telltale sign? I've always just replaced them if I wasn't sure, but money is SO tight right now that I can't afford to replace something that doesn't need it.

You should be able to see the inner and out tie rods move as one, and the knuckle should move accordingly. There should be no time when the inner or outer tie rods move and yet the knuckle stays in place. That should tell you where the issue is. Jack the front up and leave the wheel (seriously you removed the tire from the wheel?) on the car. Have someone move the steering wheel back and forth. There should be absolutely no play from the steering wheel all the way to the wheel and tire. Make sure that moving the steering wheel produces movement in the tie rods. And made sure it produces a corresponding movement in the knuckle and wheel/tire.

If the outer tie rod joint is worn you will see the steering components move without a corresponding movement in the wheel/tire.

Could the knocking be caused by worn swaybar endlinks?

jack the car up and wiggle the tire left and right. if you hear clunking n feel play. the tie rod is bad. also see if the inner rod has play by trying to rotate the inner rod.also grab the wheel from the bottom and try to move it.if it has play most likely its your lower ball joint. best way is to be under the car while youre doing this.if you are going to attempt that make sure the car is supported by jack stands and the back wheels are chocked and the car is in gear and the e brake on.dont want any accidents.hope this helps

My guess would be sway bar links or bushings as well. If the tie rods and ball joints are tight, I would check there next.

Just because the CV joint boots are intact does not mean that they aren't worn. They do wear out. They fail earlier when the boots tear.