95+ Tie Rod End Play

[Jason_25]

Ok so I jack my truck up and push and pull on each tire at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Both tires move noticeably and make a clunking noise. Is this the tie rod ends? What position should the key be in when doing this test?

 

[yob_yeknom]

Key should be off, steering locked. Only lift one side at a time so the other is still on the ground to hold everything still. If you get side to side movement, (3 & 9 o'clock) tie rods are shot. Up and down (12 & 6 o'clock), it's ball joints.

Use a jack stand when checking ball joints. A jack can fail suddenly and instantly squash your hand at the 6 o'clock position.

 

[Jason_25]

Thanks John!

There's quite a bit of movement in them. Did you ever have to replace yours?

I notice I also get a small "pop" from either side when turning.

 

[yob_yeknom]

They sound like they're worn really bad. If they're moving enough to make a popping noise, then I'm surprised your tires wear half decent and you don't get steering shimmy going down the road.

When replacing them, count the exact number of turns (to the half turn) it takes for the old ones to screw off. Write the number for each side down. Then when you're putting the new ones on, put them on the same amount of turns. This should keep you from needing an alignment, assuming you didn't already need one.

 

[Jason_25]

hehe funny you should say that. My front tires are wearing really bad and I can't drive above 60 or everything in the truck wil shake around.

Thanks for your help man. I will try to get some today or tomorrow. How much did yours cost you?

 

[madmike]

jason I just bought some for mine the other day $15.99 for the left and $18.99 for the right at autozone. and I just spray paint where the two meet so that when the new one hits the mark then its damn close.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Never actually changed them on an Explorer. They won't cost very much though.

That paint idea is good too, if you don't want to have to count. Or maybe wrap the line with masking tape if you don't want paint on anything.

 

[Jason_25]

Ok here's the dilemma. The guy at the auto parts store wants to know whether it's inner or outer. How do I tell which is bad?

 

[madmike]

most likely it is the outer, your tie rod is in two pieces and the outside is only like 8-10 in long or less,

 

[JoshC]

Jason, another tip for you, when you are putting them back on and it is time for the castle nut to go back on, it doesn't take much to hold those in place. Just get the nut snug, and then line up the hole for the cotter pin. If you get it to tight then it is a pain in the butt to get on and off the next time because the whole spindel will turn. Just a pointer that i've learned.

Happy trails!!