Tie Rod Ends
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Trailering
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
Tie Rod Ends
Hello Have a 2007 Expedition with 125K on it. Noticed the right outside tire is showing uneven ware. Wife tells me that the steering is feeling sloppy. I do not drive it much but it does seem kinda a loose. I took a look the suspension this weekend. Tried to move the wheels at the 3 and 9 position and seemed to be fine. Did not see any broken or cracked boots. Nothing really seem to move with the pry bar. I grabbed the outer tie rod and twisted it like you would a motorcycle throttle and it moved very easily. Went to the other side and it did the same thing. Are they suppose be that loose?
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 5
From: New York
I would say the looseness in twisting doesn't matter in itself, but may be indicative of a worn part. What matters is if there is movement of the ball "in and out" of its socket. Push in and pull out toward and away from the nut. There should be little to no movement in and out. Or jack the wheel off the ground and have someone force it right and left while you watch the tie rod ball end for movement in its socket.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,321
Likes: 5,130
From: 0,0,1
It's pretty much impossible to test a tie rod end if the wheels are on the ground. That being said, with the wheel up grab the tire at the 9 and 3 o' clock positions and move the tire in and out while a helper watches the tie rod for any movement between the ball and socket halves. If there's any movement replace it.
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