Quick tie rod question...

[97splorer]

I have had a shudder in my steering when going at a slow speed while turning. I crawled under my X and grabbed ahold of the tie rods and started pulling back and forth to check for play. They feel like they have a slight amount of movement, this means they are shot right? Also, could that be the reason I have the shudder in my steering at low speeds?
And, how would I know if it is the inner or outer tie rods that are bad?

Thanks-Brian

 

[97splorer]

anyone?

 

[pax]

When you grab the tie rod end to check it, you should be able to tell where the play is. On my truck, I have only replaced the outside ones, the inner ones are still very tight.
Check the ball joints for up and down play too, I have replaced the lower ball joints, the upper ones are still ok so far. Put the jack under the lower control arm and raise the tire off the ground slightly and then wedge a tire iron between the tire and the floor, if you see movement at the ball joints when you wiggle the iron up and down, replace them too.
I replaced all with greasable Moog parts. The front end is very tight and solid now.