Tie Rods, Inner and Outer?

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Jan 10, 2016 | 12:31 PM

Lahainabry

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From: Tucson AZ

Tie Rods, Inner and Outer. Updated.

I took my 997 in for a wheel balance as I felt a little "Shimmy" at freeway speed.
Upon inspection, we found the tie rods have some free play, (Passenger side). I am going to do the inner and outer, both sides at the same time.
My question, should I buy "Original equipment" or the TRW brand, OEM ? Pelican Parts sells both. My thought is "Original" but, I don't know if they are any better than the TRW parts?

Thanks for the advice.

B

Last edited by Lahainabry; Jan 25, 2016 at 11:39 AM. Reason: Updated information

Jan 10, 2016 | 01:25 PM

mdr2001

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From: Houston, Texas

I changed my outer tie rods (inners were still good). I ended up sourcing the TRW from a local shop that had a lifetime warranty. I had no issue with the installation or the alignment following the repair.

I would not hesitate to select the TRW, but I cannot really comment on which is superior in terms of quality. I will say the TRW looked exactly like the OEM that it replaced.

Mark

Jan 10, 2016 | 01:40 PM

Bruce In Philly

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Great question... I buy TRW and they certainly look to be the exact same. I have now put TRW lower control arms and TRW lateral control arms in the rear and have been satisfied (no comments please).

My sources for OEM parts have been Pelican (mostly), and newcomer (for me at least) Importec where I source my last set of lower control arms. For Porsche parts, Suncoast has worked the best for me, but I sourced my Porsche shocks from Porsche of Naples but you have to order from their website (they have two price lists) and the service was poor... but their prices were fantastic http://porscheofnaplesparts.com/ (I called P of N and the parts guy quoted me a way higher price than I saw on their website... he said he had two price lists and I to get the other, I had to order online at the link above.... really weird... they ask for you company name so maybe this is their jobber site.)

Most of the time, I buy "OEM" stuff but not Porsche labeled. My experience doing this has mostly been very very positive to where I now look for a reason not to buy "white label" stuff. However, this has not always worked out for me. For example, I will only buy Porsche-labeled rotors and engine mounts due to some odd experiences I had. Neither of these experiences would have spelled disaster.... just emotional comfort.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

Jan 10, 2016 | 02:27 PM

Lahainabry

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From: Tucson AZ

Thanks Mark, Thanks Bruce, I appreciate it.

I buy the "OEM" almost always.. I just noticed on Pelicans Website they had a few options. I would not go with the cheaper stuff. However, I have never had an issue with TRW in the past.

I do like Suncoast but, they are the other side of the country. I still get the items in a week or so.
I think I will do them all, both sides, inner and outer at the same time. Should be done for awhile then.

The "Genuine Porsche" are about $450.00 or so for all parts. TRW is less, like $200.00. Not too bad either way really.
I just would like it right the first time, (Part wise). Most likely, I will go for the TRW. I think they will be just fine.

Thanks again,

Bryan

Last edited by Lahainabry; Jan 10, 2016 at 03:25 PM.

Jan 11, 2016 | 01:41 PM

PelicanParts.com

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The reason the Genuine ones are more expensive is because you are basically paying for the Porsche name and their associated two-year warranty. TRW is the OEM supplier part and they're a sufficient replacement. They also come with a 24 Months / 24,000 miles warranty if you do run into any issues.

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Jan 24, 2016 | 12:23 PM

Lahainabry

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Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 329

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From: Tucson AZ

I bought the TRW tie rods, inner and outer. Purchased from Pelican. I Had them in 2 days. They were installed installed Friday, I went for a drive yesterday.
Wow, what a difference they made! I had no idea how bad it really felt prior. My car is so much more responsive. I am really glad I did this repair.

Thanks again for the advice!

B