Testing Outer Tie Rod

Post by **velorider** » 18 Jan 2010, 21:11

I've recently started hearing a rattle when driving over rough surfaces at slow speeds. I jacked the right side up today and tested at the 3-9 position. There was some minor, very minor, play. I previously replaced the control arm and confirmed the play is not coming from there. Grabbing the outer tie rod and wiggling it up and down reproduce a similar rattle heared when driving. There is 95K miles on the car.

What is the best way to test the tie rods?

Also, considering the mileage, if I replace the outer tie rods should I replace inner while I'm at it? How difficult is replacing the inner tie rod, alldata mentions a special tool 999 7019, 999 7020

[EDITED]
I meant to post this in the S60 forum, can the moderator move it.

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 Jan 2010, 21:25

Before you go suspecting the tie rods, have you checked the spring seats? They commonly go on the 850/-70 series and cause all kinds of suspension rattles/clunking...I'm not sure if they improved them for the S60 or not.

This is the part I'm talking about.

Grab the top of the shock tower under the hood, and try to twist it with your hand. If it turns, or visibly separates from the body of the car if you push down on the fender, it needs to be replaced.

As for the tie rods, I generally just try to shake them to make sure they're not loose. There shouldn't be any play, but you could compare it to the other side of the car to make sure.

VThokie15 · Post by **VThokie15** » 19 Jan 2010, 09:54

Ok, So I have pretty much the same problem. My question is if the outer tie rod should twist at all? The rubber grommet is torn, but there is no movement up/down, left/right, or fore/aft. The only movement in the arm is in a twisting motion. Both sides do this.

Also, how difficult is it to replace the upper spring seat?

billr99 · Post by **billr99** » 20 Jan 2010, 05:46

The outer rod can twist but it should be fairly difficult to do that. And there should be no "looseness" detected in the joint itself.

As far as the inners, our provincial inspection dictates no movement whatsoever. I had just a hint of looseness and it definitely wasn't that noticeable when driving but I was required to replace them anyway. So if you a licensing inspection that checks steering components, you might note that.

Cheers,

Bill

Post by **jblackburn** » 20 Jan 2010, 06:21

! HOKIES!

^ He's right on about the tie rods. Also, the spring seat replacement isn't too difficult, but you'll need to have/rent a spring compressor. Other than that, it's fairly straightforward - it took me about an hour and a half to replace that and my control arm.

And you'll need to have an alignment done after you mess with any of these suspension components.