How does one determine whether to change out the whole tie rod or just the outer? Quite a difference in "investment" in $ and repair time between the two. I've got a little side to side play in both front wheels (when car is jacked up). Its seems to be coming from the tie rod end on the steering knuckle. What is an indication that the inner tie rod needs to be replaced also?

Thanks

 

Same procedure of moving the wheel side-to-side, but you grab the inner tie-rod by squeezing the boot. Works better with another set of hands as you can put your hand on the inner or outer and feel where the play is. Usually, if the outer one is bad enough, you'll visually see it moving around, while the inner, you'll have to grab it. Not sure what's the normal vertical play (if there's any) on Minis as I have yet to check it on mine, but it should be really minimal.

 

Thanks Da Ghost. I found a few videos on You Tube also. I guess I should check there before posting questions here.

 

If you are in there, go ahead and replace them all. I decided to just to the outer ones, and then a few months later.....the inner ones started going bad, and I had to take everything apart and do it all again.

If the outer ones are bad...changes are the inner ones are not far behind.

 

I do the whole tie rod, most of the time if the threads were not anti seize they are stuck together and a pain to get off and adjust for alignment down the road.


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ll-joints.html