I took my car to Goodyear for a tune-up. They offered a free inspection. To make a long story short, the advisor told me that my tie-rods were bad and that tie-rods are no longer produced. I would have to get a brand new rack & pinion. He told me he called mitsubishi and that Mitsubishi told him that is what needs to be done. I didn't hear him talking to anyone about tie rods. How true is this? The bill would have been about $1100. Could I just get the tie rods replaced by someone who is not looking to bend me over?

I can't believe that for sec.
I have replaced tie rods on the 2000 and it cost like 150
and those are the same type of tie rods

Thanks. Did you go the dealer or a reputable establishment or mechanic? I feel a little insulted that this guy would try to job me like that. i don't even know if the rods are even that bad. I've been trying to be extremely careful around potholes and stuff. What are the dangers of driving w/ bad tie rods?

I went to a machanic I knew in Chicago.
If your tie rods are bad one thing which you will notice is that your tires on the front start to wear out from one side, So you will have good tire but one side will be more worn out then the other. You will feel staring is shaking in the high speed, like over 50 or 60. Some time it is due to off alignment or wheel balancing. Good machanic will let you know that if you need new tie rods or just new tires. Because usually after new tie rods you go for new tires anyway.
One time I went to pepboys and they told me that I need new tierods on my other saturn and I need new tires, but after consulting with other machanics I end up just replacing the tires and tie rods were good.
If your car is not shaking and tires are good you are good, and they will not break or anything you will get lot of signs before they reach that point. :)
Saying that anything can break anytime.

I think I do get some shaking on the highway, not violent though. However, it doesn't happen all the time. It happens enough where I don't want to drive over 70mph, but there have been times that I have been over 70 and it felt fine. I definitely need tires. the last time I got tires was in 2001. I haven't rotated them at all. so i have dead spots and i hear bup-bup-bup-etc when i am coasting at slower speeds. I have bent rim and is somewhat preventing regular rotations. i can't find the rim. Ronal says they do not make them anymore. Thanks for responding.

I think your problem must have been solved by now after changing the tires?

I think your problem must have been solved by now after changing the tires?

I changed my tie rods this year just go t mitsubishi only mitsubishi maked the tie rods i bought them from mitsubishi and went to mavis discount tires and they installed them everythign cost me about 400 150 for each tie rod and labor dont let thta guy Jerk you around

Thanks, I took the car to a mechanic and he said my tie-rods were fine, but i did need tires and an alignment.
i have a new problem that i will posting today. it will have to do w/ anti-freeze and the reservoir tank.