Tie Rod Ends

[russianlinux]

I have a 2001 Explorer V8 AWD, 180k.

There is some play in the steering wheel, but I can't tell if it's from the outer or inner tie rods. I know it's the driver side. I had my wife shake the steering wheel while I held the outer tie rod and I felt the vibration in it. I had it on jack stands earlier while changing the plugs and when I tried to shake the wheel I didn't notice any movement. I don't really hear any noises while turning, but like I said there is some play in the steering wheel and whenever I hit bumps the steering wheel really shakes a lot more.

Anybody have any idea how to tell for sure? Thanks.

 

[rdw59565]

Save yourself some frustration, change the inners and the outers. At 180K miles it wouldn't be a waste of time, and you won't do one and then need to to the other in a few months.

Check your ball joints, they may also be due.

 

[drdoom]

Check your ball joints, they may also be due.

+1 The ball joints can make some racket when you hit a bump.

 

[russianlinux]

I can change the ball joints too later, but, like many, I don't have much money so I can't really do them now. I plan on doing the alignment myself afterwards ... in any case,it's not making any funny noises, there's just shaking in the steering wheel.

 

[Lube]

I just did this, the parts seem fine.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUSPENSION-EXPLORER-RANGER-98-04-ENDS-BALL-JOINT-ARM-/160630898054?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1995|Model%3AExplorer&hash=item256658fd86

 

[jplinville]

I'm considering that package. I know my ball joints need replaced, as I'm getting a slight /--\ condition.

I'm hoping it's an easier job than my F-250...it looks to be, anyway.

I'll be doing it before winter sets in...

 

[rickb928]

You're gonna want to have the toe-in set properly unless you're actually damned good at it. Do both sides, schedule it for a Saturday morning when your closest shop is doing alignment specials, no prob. I changed one inner end, and the other one was a few thousand miles away from failure. But on the second one, I got it close enough to be driveable. Still had it aligned though.