Problem: Tie Rod, Inner Left

[vairdasol]

So here's the tale:

Sometime in June when I was getting an alignment at Firestone, the mechanic said that the inner tie rod is messed up because the tire can be slightly moved, or wiggled as he said. He said that there is no immediate problem and that next time I come in, I can get it changed ($240).

So fast forward till now. I called toyota to see what it would cost. The guy said about $350, but that there is a chance that the power steering rack might be messed up and that would cost upwards of 1500 to fix.

Called a third place and the guy said not to worry that power steering fluid would be leaking if that were the case and taht he would fix the rod for 200.

Just wondering if this has happened to any of you or any possible advice you may have.

Thanks,
David

[jon015]

Yep, had my tie rod replaced when i was doing alignment, tech said can't do an alignment with a worn out tie rod, got it replaced for 150-200 or so can't remeber exactly.

[AllShowNoGo]

just fix your tire rod, don't let toyota sell u something u dont need.

[TadS]

Well, they shouldn’t have done the alignment with a bad front end part, since it will need re-alignment after the installation of the tie-rod. Also, you can’t properly align a car that has play in the front end. It will make the toe setting inaccurate. That said it sounds like Toyota is trying to rip you off. You shouldn’t need a rack unless you’re loosing power steering fluid from it. Our cars are getting older, but not that old.

[SleeperSolara]

Which tie rod are you talkin' about only one i know are the ones in the back of your car.....

[vairdasol]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Which tie rod are you talkin' about only one i know are the ones in the back of your car.....

The one that belongs to the front driver side tire.

[donna]

how difficult is it to replace the inner tie rod, i had the alignment place tell me that mine needs replacement before they will do alignment too,,,,,

[kaarona1]

I just got my 99SLE alingned about a week ago. They could not alingn it until the tire rod was replaced. Same thing, he said the wheel could be wiggled around. Since I am always skeptable about repairs, I had him show me. While the car was on the lift, he grabbed my drivers front tire and wiggled it around pretty easily. Replace for $210 including 4 wheel alingment.
Hope that helps

[TadS]

how difficult is it to replace the inner tie rod, i had the alignment place tell me that mine needs replacement before they will do alignment too,,,,,

I have never done an inner on a Toyota, but I would assume they can’t be too much different than Ford or GM. You’ll need an inner tie-rod tool. They’re not too bad with the right tool. Here are the basic steps. Remove outer tie-rod and jam nut. Remove inner tie rod cover boot. Remove inner tie-rod. Install is reversal of removal. Make sure you use lock tight and crimp the inner depending on the design. Measure the length of the steering arm to make sure you get it close, or count the threads on the outer. Then get it aligned.