Outer Tie Rods
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 120
From: St. Louis
Outer Tie Rods
This is random you guys, but what is the standard for when a tie rod is "done" or not?
More specifically with the outer tie rod joint.
I replaced mine, inner and outer, three years ago (about 9k of street driving).
I'm rebuilding a spare rack, and pulled the old one off yesterday with the tie rods.
The passenger side is still "stiff", but the driver's side is not.
I would not say there is play, but you can directionally move it alot easier.
My gut was just to replace them again, since they are off ...and such a pain in the *** replacing down the road.
Thoughts?
More specifically with the outer tie rod joint.
I replaced mine, inner and outer, three years ago (about 9k of street driving).
I'm rebuilding a spare rack, and pulled the old one off yesterday with the tie rods.
The passenger side is still "stiff", but the driver's side is not.
I would not say there is play, but you can directionally move it alot easier.
My gut was just to replace them again, since they are off ...and such a pain in the *** replacing down the road.
Thoughts?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,717
Likes: 58
From: Southern Alberta, Canada
9k miles?
I just rebuilt my steering rack on the S4 and questioned replacing the tie rods at 190k kms; yes they're original.
I did replace them only because I got a great price (thx Roger) for new tie rods and the front end would need an alignment with the new rack.
I wouldnt replace yours IMHO
I just rebuilt my steering rack on the S4 and questioned replacing the tie rods at 190k kms; yes they're original.
I did replace them only because I got a great price (thx Roger) for new tie rods and the front end would need an alignment with the new rack.
I wouldnt replace yours IMHO
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 322
From: Kaukauna Wisconsin
My $0.02 -
You say "not stiff" for the driver's side. How bad?
Does it stay in place if you hold it horizontally?
If you gently move it around, does the end flop around?
Rule of thumb that I was taught is that if it's "floppy", and won't hold horizontal, it's a good candidate for replacement.
Seeing as the rack is already out and that Mark has decent used ones on sale right now, I'd be tempted to replace it if it's even questionable.
You say "not stiff" for the driver's side. How bad?
Does it stay in place if you hold it horizontally?
If you gently move it around, does the end flop around?
Rule of thumb that I was taught is that if it's "floppy", and won't hold horizontal, it's a good candidate for replacement.
Seeing as the rack is already out and that Mark has decent used ones on sale right now, I'd be tempted to replace it if it's even questionable.
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 120
From: St. Louis
Thanks for the feedback you guys.
Joe, that is a helpful rule of thumb.
I do think it holds position, but I will confirm tonight.
I was talking to a buddy last night, and he asked me if the tie-rods are Chinese
.
Now that I think about it,...it's possible, I don't remember where I got them. I don't think it was through our normal vendors, so maybe the plot thickens.
Joe, that is a helpful rule of thumb.
I do think it holds position, but I will confirm tonight.
I was talking to a buddy last night, and he asked me if the tie-rods are Chinese
.Now that I think about it,...it's possible, I don't remember where I got them. I don't think it was through our normal vendors, so maybe the plot thickens.