How much play should there be in outer tie rod ends? Whenever I jack up the car on each side I am able to move them freely with really no effort. I can do this on both sides of the car... the passenger side seems like there is a tad more play than the driver. Not sure if this is normal or not? I have also noticed a squeak or a sound like something is loose or rattling around in the suspension when driving over gravel filled roads. Also on the passenger side, the tire seems to have worn a lot more. Steering wheel shakes like crazy but I just figured that was due to my insanely bald tires needing replacement. Also about a week or so ago... whenever I would turn the wheel full lock (like doing a u turn) I had this really loud clunk like something was getting caught on something else and felt it in the steering wheel. Could this also be the tie rod ends? I have been lowered on coilovers for well over a year now (20k+ miles prolly) and have needed to replace the front swaybar endlinks due to a failure on the passenger side. Any help would and is greatly appreciated.

 

Ok... Tie rods should have no play. Check them with a large pair of Chanel-Loc pliers. Give them a squeeze top to bottom. If they have movement, they're bad.


Why on earth would you drive for a year with failed endlinks?


Take the car a good mechanic. I'd bet that you have the car excessively lowered and have also damaged the CV joints, and your lack of maintenance has cause other issues like failed lower control arm bushings. Along with needing new tires and an alignment.

 

Thank you for your response. That's what I thought about the tie rods but wanted to confirm and make sure. Regarding other things in the post...I have not driven the car for a year with bad endlinks...those were replaced immediately. And I don't think the car is excessively lowered. I've seen minis way lower than me but are welcome to check the pictures i have posted in my profile. In any regards though thank you for confirming what I thought about the tie rods. Have a good day.