86 951 Driver

I have looked at my steering assembly. I know my rack probably leaks or at least the hoses do a bit. My question is about Tie Rods. I know there are inner tie rod and tie rod ends. How can you tell if the ends or the innner tie rods are bad. I noticed when throwing my new wheels on that you can "turn" the wheel a little bit before the steering rack moves. Could that be the innner tie rods?

pnbell

Generally when tie rod ends are bad, the Boots will be ripped, and the grease will be all over the area..

You can inspect them just by laying on the ground and looking.

plumbum

Lift up the front end and support with jack stands. With the steering unlocked grab the tire at the 3 and 9 o'clock position and push in and out lightly as if to turn the steering.

There should be no play in the front end, if there is inspect the outer tie rod and knuckle for play between the two...replace if there is play. If there is no play it is likely the inner tie rod.

Do this for both sides.

Hope this helps

86 951 Driver

I did exactly that this past weekend. Wasn't sure if that was the "proper" way to check tie rods. I will need to determine if its the inner tie rods or the ends.

MAGK944

It could even be the intermediate shaft. Get Someone to barely turn the steering wheel while you shine a light on the intermediate shaft u-joints. Check to see if the shaft rotates slightly without the wheels moving.

Fara

My problem was very similar, but was combined two problems:

A slightly bent front right tie arm combined with worn rubber bushings on the sway bar.
Fortunately, it was easy enough to diagnose once I got under there and noticed the decayed rubber and inability to adjust the wheel alignment.

86 951 Driver

I have noticed that my shaft is making a popping noise, but how would that affect the tie rods? I can move my wheels just a little bit without it moving the rack? Would that cause be the tie rod end or inner tie rod?

plumbum

Have someone wiggle the wheel (3 and 9 o'clock) look at the outer tie rod for play. Also hold the inner tie rod and feel for play

MAGK944

My answer was not tie rod related, I was answering you question: "I noticed when throwing my new wheels on that you can "turn" the wheel a little bit before the steering rack moves. Could that be the innner tie rods?"

Just saying the issue could be the intermediate shaft and not the tie rods.

86 951 Driver

Gotcha. I will need a helper to see which one it is.