how to check tie rods

[Werner R.]

i have never seen this one discussed. several mechanics have told me that my daughter's car has terrible tie rods [ready to fall apart etc]. how can this be tested. the car is an older firebird, but the steering looks just like that in my c-2. i wiggled the tie rods [side to side-looked at from the front tried to move them from driver to passenger to driver] but there was no free play. however, when i grabbed them and pivoted them front to back to front etc there was no resistance; very easy to move [if looked at from the side, the tie rod would be rotating from 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock and back etc.]. how are these tested??
werner

[Roy B.]

Re: how to check tie rods

That's how I check them and they seem OK to me. Mine are the same as you stated. As long as there is no side movement.

[Terry F.]

Re: how to check tie rods

Have somebody rock your steering wheel back and forth and watch for free play. Terry

[Werner R.]

Re: how to check tie rods

terry
i take it you mean with the wheels on the ground??
werner

[Mike McKown]

Re: how to check tie rods

Werner:

You need to do it with the weight on the car. Look for up/down motion also.

[Chuck S.]

Yes...

Werner, the true test is "free play"...If you move the steering wheel, and there is almost no movement before you encounter resistance and the front wheels beginning to move, then your tie rods (and the rest of your steering system) is good. If, when you move the steering wheel, the front wheels don't begin to move almost immediately, you have faulty tie rod ends (most likey, but there can be other causes).

I would get some new mechanics (you have some shylocks), and stay away from tire stores. I haven't heard some of these old ruses in thirty years because of permanently lubed front ends. I am surprised that they didn't tell you that you needed ball joints, then shake the front wheel like a terrier shaking a rat to show you the freeplay. Then there's the old shock absorber ploy...guy jumps up and down on the front fender, then says "There, see it bounce? Needs shock absorbers.".

[Chuck R.]

Re: That takes me back!

My Dad had a fellow working for him once who shared his trick of a mixture of anti-freeze and some other product saturated into a rag.

He would then pull peoples dip sticks and lay it on the treated rag and walla! the oil on the dip stick would get all foamy. "Sorry Mrs. Smith, but it looks like a bad head gasket and maybe rings to boot"

I still can't figure out why Dad let him go

I agree with Chuck, with the weight of the car on the wheels, gently work the steering wheel back and forth while watching the joints. If their loose, they will want to pop up or move prior to the tires starting to turn.

If that doesn't happen, then your good to go.

Chuck

[Werner R.]

Re: That takes me back!

thanks to one and all. excellent advice as always.
werner