Originally posted by sundarpn@May 23 2004, 11:34 AM
how much would a shop charge for changing inner tie rods?
That's one you'll have to shop around for. I had one shop quote me $550 for both inner tie rods. They said they'd have to drop the rack to do it, and then of course there is alignment afterward. They looked at me like I was crazy when I brought it back in a week later and said I did it myself in under 3 hours. :freak2:
Utahtaurus Posted on May 23 2004, 11:16 AM
Would the inner tie rod be 'tied' to shaking in the steering wheel at load around 45 to 47 mph? 94 Taurus wagon, 130k, 6% grade makes my wagon shake. Replaced two motor mounts and I still feel it.
...could be. The tie rod is an essential part of your steering linkage. Check the inside edge of both of the front tires for uneven wear. When the inner tie rod's ball-and-socket joint gets worn, it allows the wheel to steer back and forth a degree or two while you are driving straight. That could be the vibration you are feeling. A good test for tie rod wear is to jack the car up on one side, and grab the wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, and try to steer the wheel back and forth. Now try to do the same thing while holding the wheel at 6 and 12. If you feel any play while checking it at 3 and 9, but NO play at 6 and 12, it could be an inner or outer tie rod end. If you feel play in the wheel at all four locations, it's probably a bad hub or wheel bearing. Check both front wheels. This is actually the method most mechanics use when they are doing a safety inspection on the car.
You should also rotate your wheels and tires front to back, back to front. If the vibration moves to under the seat, and disappears from the steering wheel, you just need to balance your wheels. If it stays up front, there is some other problem.