Steering rack or just tie rod end?

[digitalvoid]

Quick background:
Vibrations, thumping and knocking which was due in part to the dented wheels (love those Boston potholes). I got a new set of tires and wheels all around and the highway vibrations are gone as I expected.

While in there I also replaced my front pads and rotors. When I was putting the driver's side wheel back on I noticed a fair amount of play which wasn't present on the other side.

Took the wheel back off and pulled on the knuckle to see where things where moving. The tie rod was able to move in and out a noticeable amount but was firm on the outer end. I double checked this against the passenger side and there wasn't any amount of slop.

Around 25-35 MPH the driver's side "wobbles" for lack of a better term and thumps a bit too when decelerating through that range (I had thought it was a bum spring from the sound).

If it is the steering rack, would I notice symptoms with both wheels? I'm hoping it's just the inner tie rod end. Anyone dealt with these care to share there experiences (symptoms, findings)?

Thanks in advance.

[Sponsor]

[digitalvoid]

I'm going to hop under the car in a bit to take a second look. If anyone has worked on their inner tie rod ends or the steering rack I would appreciate any "heads up" or accounts of what they found.

Thanks!

[crazymechanic]

the inner tie rods are a pain in the ass because they don't have flat spots machined into them to use an inner tie rod tool for removal. the post production replacements do have the flat spots machined into the for easy install.

[WuNgUnSVT]

Crazymechanic is right...no flats! I had to change my drivers side inner tie rod also, and I was able to do this myself. However, I had to use a stupid pipe wrench to loosen it, and I had to drop the A-arm out of the way to make room for the wrench...major PITA!
Another option might be to grind flats on the worn tie-rod end and fit a adjustable wrench over it then?
The dust boot must be defective on the OEM part...mine was all rusted and corroded inside.

[crazymechanic]

I use an air chisel to loosen the inner tie rod, once it breaks loose, it turns rather freely

[digitalvoid]

Thanks for all the useful info! I'll hack at it later tonight and see what I find.