1st Attempt at Tie rod Replacement Need a Sanity Check

[GregM]

BTW - It never made this noise before I replaced the tie rods...

[vjaneczko]

Sounds like you weren't able to get an alignment? I did my best at keeping everything counted/lined up, I even tried to use some measurements to keep the wheels aligned but in the end it was all off and horrible. I limped the car to Firestone and got an alignment. Because the wheels were not in alignement with each other, I could hear the wheels twisting and groaning on the pavement as I drove - especially when I had to turn to the right, it was an awful sound but the noise was from the tires, not the steering rack. Plus, to keep it straight, I had the steering wheel at the 10:00 position - made me nervous for those 4 miles, but I got there!

Maybe what's happening is that the steering rack is under tremendous strain from the wheels not lined up, and the noise you hear is also from the tires. If you had to change the tie rod part, the thread count may be off.

I'd say limp your car to an alignment first, then check for the noise again. Can you post a video so we can hear the noise?

BTW, Firestone has a lifetime alignment for "just" twice the price of a regular, one-time only alignment. Seems like a no-brainer to me - nothing like getting an alignment once a month

[GregM]

I was definitely planning on getting an alignment but I'm afraid to drive it anywhere right now for fear of doing further damage.I was meticulous about the measurements. I Measured the slop in the old inner too- 1/8"! I'm surprised the two pieces stayed connected. Thanks for the Firestone tip. Money is tight right now so I'll have to get the lifetime alignment at a later date plus my right cv/axle needs to be replaced.... I'll post a video right away - great idea!



Thanks Guys!

[GregM]

I went out to take the video and the whine is gone! No bubbles no whine all seems well. Took it for a quick road test around the block a few times and the difference in handling is profound. And the alignment is off the same amount as before. Pulls to the left a bit , I have to turn the steering wheel to about 1 - 2 o'clock to go straight. I'll be getting a 4 wheel alignment tomorrow. I did not do the left side. My mechanic said it was fine. My next priority is the right cv/axle.

I am so fortunate to have found this site:) Thanks everyone!
I also wanted to thank Quality Coaches in Minneapolis. They helped me figure out what steering rack I had.