Went to get my ride aligned, and low and behold one of the guys at Firestone said that the tire has too much play to get a good alignment on. Went out and wiggled the tire back and forth a good quarter inch either direction( like if you are facing the tire, I could pull on one side and pull on the other.

Went home and jacked the car up, and yes I could still move it. I am starting to wonder if they broke it somehow. Anyways, it seems to be the knuckle that is inside the boot. I know it is not the outer end link because when I move the tire, that doesnt move and the inside does.

Basically I have a new rack and pinion in my garauge, and it was $100. I could also get a new outer tie rod assembly and replace the knuckle.

What would you guys do? Is it hard to replace the tie rod? How about the rack and pinion? Im sure i will have to flush the fluid if I replace the whole R&P.

 

TTT


I swear, I am losing faith in this board....Only 4 views. Why will no body help me??

 

I think there is a ball joint or some type of knucle in the accordian thing on the tie rod. Try that and see if there is play there... There is a certain specified clearance that is okay but it sounds like you're passed that. If it was the actual rack or pinion gears wearing down you would have the problem on both sides. That's my 2 cents good luck.

 

I am sure that it is the kncukle joint that is inside the rubber boot. That is the place that there is the movement, not the outer tie rod end.

Woould it be difficult to replace that knuckle and/or tie rod?

 

Sounds like a worn hub to me. Fairly easy to replace, there's just four fasteners holding it on (and you have to unplug the ABS sensor).