Tie Rod Noises

305S0L · Jul 2, 2015

I need some input from the 6GA Community. :mf_pcwhack:

Yesterday I inspected the outer tie rods on the coupe and noticed significant play on them. I could twist them clockwise and counter-clockwise which makes a tapping noise on the knuckle. This noise combined with noises I hear while driving leads me to believe the inner tie rods are also probably shot.

Ive been dealing with a power steering leak for a couple months now and have contemplated getting the entire steering rack replaced.

I'm asking input from 6GA on any experiences with a similar issue.
-Should I replace the outer tie rods and see if the noise persists?
-If the noise persists should I replace the inner tie rods?
-Or alternatively, should i just have the rack replaced since a new one will come with new inner tie rods?

WW6GAD?
(what would 6GA do) :eh:

james'99 · Jul 2, 2015

305S0L said:
I need some input from the 6GA Community.

Yesterday I inspected the outer tie rods on the coupe and noticed significant play on them. I could twist them clockwise and counter-clockwise which makes a tapping noise on the knuckle. This noise combined with noises I hear while driving leads me to believe the inner tie rods are also probably shot.

Ive been dealing with a power steering leak for a couple months now and have contemplated getting the entire steering rack replaced.

I'm asking input from 6GA on any experiences with a similar issue.
-Should I replace the outer tie rods and see if the noise persists?
-If the noise persists should I replace the inner tie rods?
-Or alternatively, should i just have the rack replaced since a new one will come with new inner tie rods?

WW6GAD?
(what would 6GA do)

For me, it depends. What is leaking ps fluid in that, is replacement required to repair leak?

xci.ed6 · Jul 5, 2015

Grab & shake the tie rod, by the inner & outer, what clunks & moves?

If it needs inner than I'd do outer too unless they are new. If it leaks from the rack...well, get one, that gets new inner, add outer...

305S0L · Jul 7, 2015

james'99 said:
For me, it depends. What is leaking ps fluid in that, is replacement required to repair leak?

It appears to be leaking from the drivers side area of the rack where the hose meets the rack.

xci.ed6 said:
Grab & shake the tie rod, by the inner & outer, what clunks & moves?

If it needs inner than I'd do outer too unless they are new. If it leaks from the rack...well, get one, that gets new inner, add outer...

Thanks xci.ed6, it appears that the rack will need to be replaced. I was able to source a used one in good condition for $125.00

This job seems like it will be a pain to do :computer:

xci.ed6 · Jul 7, 2015

It's not usually too bad, normally you pull them out the driver side, sometimes you can drop them.

305S0L · Jul 7, 2015

xci.ed6 said:
It's not usually too bad, normally you pull them out the driver side, sometimes you can drop them.

I was looking at one of Eric the car guys vids on YouTube where he shows the job on a 1999 Civic. Doesn't seem too complex, just uncomfortable lol.

http://youtu.be/aDhnrS1Y96w

and I got a quote today from a mechanic that said he would do it for $400; parts + labor included.

Weighing my options here.

305S0L · Jul 15, 2015

Update:

So after a more careful inspection I noticed that the front sway bar end links are busted and definitely need replacing. I went ahead and order a pair from a eBay for $20 and installed them today.

Drivers side was a piece of cake. Used some penetrating oil and let it soak for 15 mins. Used my impact gun and vice grips and it came right off.

Passenger side was a ***** lol. The top part came out easy, but the bottom got stuck. Couldn't cut it off because my dremel didn't have a cutting wheel. So I kept at it with the impact gun and more penetrating oil. I got the idea to heat up the bolt a bit with my heat gun for about 3 mins, hit it with the hammer again and presto! Sum***** came right off!

Went for a drive and no creaks or popping noises!

So happy right now