Inner tie rod end?
94&92Astro
05-10-2009, 07:15 PM
After hearing a loud noise coming from under the front end, I got out and noticed that my right tire was facing inward while my left tire was pointed straight ahead. I noticed a rod dangling from underneath. After looking at a couple of diagrams I believe this is the inner tie rod end that has seperated causing a complete loss of control on the pass side. I was very fortunate to have this happen in the driveway. I noticed the ball out of the socket has corrosion present. Has anyone else had issues simular to this? Should both sides be changed out or what... Any advise here would be appreciated as this is a bit beyond my scope of knowledge. This is a 97 crown vic with 57k original miles...
way2old
05-10-2009, 08:02 PM
If it were mine, I would change all the tie rods along with the sleeves. Since the originals were not greasable, the others could follow soon. Then have the vehicle aligneg. Good luck
rhandwor
05-10-2009, 08:16 PM
Advance or Auto Zone have loaner tools it will make the job easier.
Use a scale and measure the thread length on the tie rod. Set the new ones the same as they are somewhat different still get a wheel alignment.
http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsmain/tool/T_4012.htm This is a picture of a tool.
Use a scale and measure the thread length on the tie rod. Set the new ones the same as they are somewhat different still get a wheel alignment.
http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsmain/tool/T_4012.htm This is a picture of a tool.
94&92Astro
05-11-2009, 01:38 AM
Thanks Guys--
The Inner tie rod was toast as the socket contained the dust of what used to be metal. I plan to replace both sides inner and outer as suggested. I would like to know why in the heck there aren't more grease fittings on the front end suspension. My 02 GM has more grease tits than a mama hog. Alot of the rubber boots are cracking and not a drop of lube to be found. Replacing the tie rods and ends may fix my immediate problem but I have a feeling this problem will rear it's ugly head on yet another greaseless stress joint in the frontend!? I will post a followup..
Thanks again your prompt informative responses are deeply appreciated!
The Inner tie rod was toast as the socket contained the dust of what used to be metal. I plan to replace both sides inner and outer as suggested. I would like to know why in the heck there aren't more grease fittings on the front end suspension. My 02 GM has more grease tits than a mama hog. Alot of the rubber boots are cracking and not a drop of lube to be found. Replacing the tie rods and ends may fix my immediate problem but I have a feeling this problem will rear it's ugly head on yet another greaseless stress joint in the frontend!? I will post a followup..
Thanks again your prompt informative responses are deeply appreciated!
ricebike
05-11-2009, 06:55 AM
maybe it's cheaper to get a whole steering rack & pinion unit
yea, i also hate that manufacturers did away w/ zerk or grease fittings... noticed them on many cars w/ no fittings and some need grease in them!
i'm thinking of getting a needle to inject some grease...
http://www.mastertectools.net/image/31033.jpg
yea, i also hate that manufacturers did away w/ zerk or grease fittings... noticed them on many cars w/ no fittings and some need grease in them!
i'm thinking of getting a needle to inject some grease...
http://www.mastertectools.net/image/31033.jpg
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