Tie Rod question
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New User
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Tie Rod question
I have a 2002 F150 XLT FX4... how much "play" should I get from my inner and outer tie-rods.
Of course, they twist like the should. But I can wiggle them at the joints about 1/8" by hand.
I've always thought there should be ABSOLUTELY NO PLAY in these.
Please let me know.
Of course, they twist like the should. But I can wiggle them at the joints about 1/8" by hand.
I've always thought there should be ABSOLUTELY NO PLAY in these.
Please let me know.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Agree - there should be no play at the wheel. Jack the car up and have someone hold the steering wheel. You should not be able to wiggle the tire front to back. If you can, bad tie rod. If you can wiggle the tire top to bottom then you have bad ball joint.
Buy Moog brand parts w/ lifetime warrenty and install yourself. It is easy. Just measure the old one and count the turns. Install new one at same location.
I have done this on several and never even bother with new alignment.
Buy Moog brand parts w/ lifetime warrenty and install yourself. It is easy. Just measure the old one and count the turns. Install new one at same location.
I have done this on several and never even bother with new alignment.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2009
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Replaced them. Problem solved.
By the way, I always have a hard time getting the inner, front, driver's side brake pad in the caliper mount (on my '02 F150 FX4). Does anybody else have this problem? Or know why I have this problem?
By the way, I always have a hard time getting the inner, front, driver's side brake pad in the caliper mount (on my '02 F150 FX4). Does anybody else have this problem? Or know why I have this problem?
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It is due to the piston slowly moving out and making the opening too small.
I almost always have to compress the piston in a little if it has been off for more than a few minutes.
Reason that one does it and no other one is due to a couple of possibilities.
1. That piston is easier to move than the others and the small amount of residual pressure from the fluid and brake pedal pressure is enough to push it out a little.
2. The location being closest to the master cylinder allows for the residual pressure to be applied to that caliper easier. The other calipers are far enough away that the small residual pressure is not enough to move the piston enough to make a problem.
I almost always have to compress the piston in a little if it has been off for more than a few minutes.
Reason that one does it and no other one is due to a couple of possibilities.
1. That piston is easier to move than the others and the small amount of residual pressure from the fluid and brake pedal pressure is enough to push it out a little.
2. The location being closest to the master cylinder allows for the residual pressure to be applied to that caliper easier. The other calipers are far enough away that the small residual pressure is not enough to move the piston enough to make a problem.
