Auto Repair Question - Outer Tie Rod

[jeff0514]

Just had new tires put on my car, but was then told that the passenger side outer tie rod needs replaced. They showed me how there was some give to the wheel when you try to wiggle it, and that it should be replaced to prevent tire wear. I looked back at my records and see that I had them replaced on both sides probably 5 years ago. Is it normal to have to replace tie rods? How much labor is usually invovled in replacing them? I was quoted $50 for the part, about $75 for the labor, and $60 for alignment. The $50 part is only carries a one-year warranty. I could get a lifetime part for around $90.

[jtdoyle1]

Just curious- Where did you take it too?

[heyguy85]

Be careful. I replaced mine for $350 both sides total bill. It depends on where you go.

[JRCampy]

I replaced one on my car by myself, and I don't consider myself a "car guy" or mechanic by any means. The part cost me about $10, but you more than likely will need to have the front end re-aligned in either case.

[06_CY]

don't get it replaced again, unless you have been running into curbs or hitting pot holes.

[Dave19642006]

you can replace it yourself....I did mine in about 30 minutes...then get it aligned....IF you do it yourself:

Take the wheel/ tire and pull it left and right if play...it could be the issue...if you have "slop" in the wheel is another indication.

1. Remove the tire and set aside
2. Mark where the lockdown nut is positioned on the inner rod so you can turn it back to the same spot.
3. Turn the lockdown nut 1/2 turn
Make sure you turn the lockdown nut a certian distance and then back that same distance after you remove the old tie rod. I would also recommend a front end alignment when you do so it can be fine tuned. You willl be close but still get one.
4. Remove the nut/ and cotter if so applied which is attached to the spindle and use a rubber mallet to release the tie rod.
5. Remove the tie rod
6. Turn the lockdown nut back to where it was marked
7. Attach new tierod
8. mount tire
9. GET it aligned

Time....1 hour if unfamilier 2 hours in mechanics book if I remember right


Price depends on the year and make of the car. My parts cost me $48.00 for both sides and labor was free. I did it. Front end alignment was $50.00. Life time warrenty is for the part only, I know you know that.

As for if 5 years is the time? it depends on the road condistions that you are diving in...If you keep the bushings lubed up/ greased then it should not be a factor. Some people forget to grease the tie rod ends and they wear out real fast or they do not add enough grease. IF you decide to do it yourself and need assistance. PM me!!!!!

[jumbopackage]

It's not generally too hard to do (though generally quite messy), and yes, they do wear out. Should be less than 200 bucks all-in, I would think, to have someone do it.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of the alignment when doing the math yourself.

[vincentaldrich]

Hi everyone. Sorry for the late reply. Just arrived from a long vacation. Got here for a car repair question. So, i've a problem with my 2001 chevy silverado's outer tie rod. according to the mechanic, i should replace it before it would barred down. there were so many types and brands in the market today. I checked ebay and choosing one seems a confusing task. could anyone here gentlemen who has the idea what the best brand of outer tie rod is? you could place pictures and prices if you have. or maybe you can just put on the details here. I'm hoping to get the best offer. my budget is around $300+




Vincent Aldrich

[ISUAlum2002]

Late reply? Yeah, only just over a year late.......

Anyway, I would say Moog is probably one of the better suspension part makers.

[CyCloned]

When I replace tie rod ends I put the car up on ramps, that way if the old one is not in too bad of shape and the front end is straight, I can avoid the allignment. It also save the time of taking the wheel off and on. I just screw the new one on to the point it drops straight into the socket, tighten everything down and move on.

[CyCloned]

Late reply? Yeah, only just over a year late.......

Anyway, I would say Moog is probably one of the better suspension part makers.

Moog stuff is pretty good, and most of their stuff comes with grease zerks, something that I always look for. Stupidest thing I have every have seen, steering parts you can't grease.

[GoShow97]

you can replace it yourself....I did mine in about 30 minutes...then get it aligned....IF you do it yourself:

Take the wheel/ tire and pull it left and right if play...it could be the issue...if you have "slop" in the wheel is another indication.

1. Remove the tire and set aside
2. Mark where the lockdown nut is positioned on the inner rod so you can turn it back to the same spot.
3. Turn the lockdown nut 1/2 turn
Make sure you turn the lockdown nut a certian distance and then back that same distance after you remove the old tie rod. I would also recommend a front end alignment when you do so it can be fine tuned. You willl be close but still get one.
4. Remove the nut/ and cotter if so applied which is attached to the spindle and use a rubber mallet to release the tie rod.
5. Remove the tie rod
6. Turn the lockdown nut back to where it was marked
7. Attach new tierod
8. mount tire
9. GET it aligned

Time....1 hour if unfamilier 2 hours in mechanics book if I remember right


Price depends on the year and make of the car. My parts cost me $48.00 for both sides and labor was free. I did it. Front end alignment was $50.00. Life time warrenty is for the part only, I know you know that.

As for if 5 years is the time? it depends on the road condistions that you are diving in...If you keep the bushings lubed up/ greased then it should not be a factor. Some people forget to grease the tie rod ends and they wear out real fast or they do not add enough grease. IF you decide to do it yourself and need assistance. PM me!!!!!

The only thing I would add to this excellent post is to go to Youtube and do a search for tie rod replacement, you should be able to watch a step by step vido that goes through exactly what the above post is stating. Also having a good floor jack, jack stands and tools makes things easier. All and all a pretty straight forward procedure goodluck man.

Also I typically only use OEM parts but I think MOOG makes alot of OEM parts and you can get a MOOG ti rod end for 1/2 of OEM and it is same thing.

[Prone2Clone]

Tyrod?