inner tie rod end loose

[simon84]

I replaced my left inner tie rod end last summer and now it's loose again. I've done about 5000miles since I replaced it and there is some wheel vibration. Kind of feels like an unbalanced tire. I just took the wheel off and there is play at the inner tie rod end.
I will pull the rubber boot tomorrow to get a good look.
Any idea if the part could have gone bad that quick or is it most likely an installation issue (ie threads coming loose).

The irony is that this was the first part I replaced and then pretty much went through the whole front end replacing stuff (tie rod end, 2 wheel bearings, cv axles, sway bar bushings, brake hoses, 1 brake caliper, new rotors) and lifted it with spacers.

Will give an update tomorrow.

[xirdneh]

there is a lock washer on the inner tie rod ends, did it get installed and hammered over?
or maybee its not the tie rod but the rack itself, though i have never had a rack go bad so i do not know much about them

[keith]

Quick way to tell if the play is from the tie rod ends or the rack is to wiggle one wheel. If the other wheel is following the wiggled wheel exactly, but there is a delay in the steering wheel moving, then its the rack. If there is a delay between the front wheels, then it is tie rods.

[Petros]

not usually will the tie rod end wear out that fast, could be worn rack, or something else. check it carefully ASAP, if the tie-rod end is backing out that could be dangerous.

[simon84]

Xirdneh gets the prize for the correct answer (and first to respond too).
I remember this washer as I had to pry it open to get the old one off. I thought I had done that step. Sometimes thinking about something is almost as satisfying as actually doing it and that can be a problem.

So I will keep an eye on it but I think it's all good now. The proof will come with some highway driving tomorrow.

Thanks for all the input.

[marlinh]

Wow, Simon I'm glad you found the problem!

[simon84]

Still got some vibration in there and it seems that there is a bit of play in the steering rack on the left side.
Anyone have experience with this?
I'm assuming a new steering rack is the fix. And I am assuming that it's not super urgent to get it done but the vibration is slightly annoying. It shows up at around 50 and 60mph. Kind of like an unbalanced tire.

[xirdneh]

are you sure its not the tires?

[simon84]

Yeah, I might try swapping tires and see if it's better. The snowys are getting worn so I was going to wear them out into the summer.
I drove it this morning and it didn't seem too bad.

Also, there is some brake shudder when braking hard. Last shop to work on it said it was the rear brakes.
Not sure if it's the rear drums out of round or some other brake issue.

[simon84]

Xirdneh! Once again, you nailed it!
I went to swap the tires today to see if that would help and one of the rear tires was starting to separate and wear on the inside treads. It was hard to see by looking at the car but once the tire was off it was obvious. There was a steel wire starting to poke out in one spot. It looks pretty warped.
I will post a pic.
And I am thinking this will be the end of the mystery vibration.

[Petros]

check the date of the tire manufacture (should be embedded in the tire code).

winter tires site around aging without much wear, this is not unusual. old tries should always be suspect, sometimes even new ones. Usually a quick check is to jack up the wheel and spin the tire watching the tread as it turns. any distortion is sign of delaminating.

[simon84]

Yes, I've had these tires for about 10 years as I got them with the car when I bought it. I've used them for about the last 5 winters. I'd say I got my moneys worth.

Not sure if this FB link will work to show a pic:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater