Outer Tie Rods

owned11caddys · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-09, 03:10 PM

I took my 2002 STS to Midas to get an alignment. I was told by the kid that my driver side out tie rod is going to snap. I just replaced both outer tie rods in the spring with a mechanic that I trust. The kid said he couldn't do the alignment because of the outer tie rod. How do I know if the outer tie rod is about to snap? What happens if the outer tie rod does snap?

stsgus · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-09, 04:07 PM

If it snaps, bad things, no steering in that wheel!!!
Unless the steering knuckle was bad, or new tie rod was bad, it should not be ready to snap. Definately look at it, turn the wheel right, and check it, is it bent, ackward looking, feel for play, grab it see if its bad.
Maybe call your trusted mechanic to let him know, he will probably want to look at it!

Good chance that the high school graduate didnt know what he is talking about. He should have showed you the failing part

95caddykid · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-09, 04:22 PM

how often do these tie rods break? i got almost 120 thousand miles on the factory tie rods should i consider replacing them now or should i just wait for it to break or mess up my alignment? i changed my oil today and lubed the chassis and both seemed to be in good shape

owned11caddys · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-09, 04:49 PM

I just turned my wheel all the way to the right and felt the tie rod i replaced. It was pretty strong. It didn't have any movement. I will still have my mechanic check it out. Maybe the kid at Midas was just trying to get some more work.

**Ranger** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-09, 05:24 PM

I've never heard of a tie rod snapping. You should have had the kid take you back and SHOW you the bad tie rod. I'll bet he would have an excuse like you're not allowed in the work area. I too suspect he was fishing for work.

creeker · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-09, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owned11caddys

I just turned my wheel all the way to the right and felt the tie rod i replaced. It was pretty strong. It didn't have any movement. I will still have my mechanic check it out. Maybe the kid at Midas was just trying to get some more work.

Maybe he gets paid $6.00 per hour plus commission?.

BIG ERN · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-09, 08:42 PM

you'll get a shit load of vibration in the steering wheel if it's going out period!