[j-zetec_pr]

My car has been wandering and the steering has been feeling loose lately. I put the car on stands, and with the steering wheel locked, the wheels have a good bit of play. I took the wheels off and on both sides the free movement is in the tie rods at the boots.

A little background:
I have new dampers, springs, endlinks, strut bearings, strut mounts, axles, wheel bearings.

So, should I replace the tie rods?

 

[j-zetec_pr]

shameless 20 minute bump

 

[ArcticMynx]

LOL replace em

when it comes to the front suspension theres 3 main parts I never double think, Tie rods, Ball joints and Linkages.. if any of them break yer up s[][][][][][]* creek without a paddle.. will have to pay double.. I saw a car break a tie rod the wheel snapped back took out the fender then went flying against the curb ripping the wheel assembly off the car

Last night I noticed the steering wheel about 1/2 inch off center when it was going straight took it in and my tierods and passenger balljoints are being replaced ( always wondered why my brand new tires where wearing 10 times as fast then my rears)

if you do it yourself take it in for an alignment that $50 will save you from having to replace your tires every 1-2 years

 

[j-zetec_pr]

My tie rods are loose. Can this be just a matter of popping the outer tie rod out of the knuckle, tightening the inner tie rod, and getting an alignment? Instead of replacing the inner tie rods?
I'm not entirely convinced that they are bad.. I think they're just loose and not damaged at all.

I will try that tomorrow and update this thread.

 

[j-zetec_pr]

bump

 

[ArcticMynx]

Well i'll tell ya in a few days Im changing all 4 balljoints and all 4 tie rod ends within the upcomming week on Focus #1

(sorry I now have to refer to my cars as Focus #1 and Focus #2 I just purchased the exact same car built 29 days after mine on the same line from the same factory)