Tie Rod Question

[The Critic]

I was working on aznboi24's 2001 Acura CL today.

When I was under the car, I noticed that both tie rods could be easily twisted-- they are very "loose." When you twist the tie rod, you can see the outer tie rod end's boot "crumple" and deform. However, there does not appear to be any lateral play-- this looseness only exists is if you grabbed the tie rod and tried to twist/turn it.

I am not sure if this is normal. I checked the tie rod on the Saturn and there's no play at all, whether I try to move it from side-to-side or if I tried to twist/turn it. Same applies to the Nissan, the van or to a different Camry-- no looseness or play whatsoever. So, of the four cars, the CL is the only one that exhibits this behavior.

So...

Is there a problem with the outer tie rod ends? The inner tie rod ends? Or no problem at all?

Thanks.

 

[aznboi24]

Thanks to Michael for posting this. I am also going to add that the boot seems fine, no tears or grease leaking from the boot.

 

[mechanicx]

I think they are probably well worn in, but what I do is continue to run them as long as there is no play detected, boots leaking or any handling issue.

 

[scurvy]

As long as there's no axial play betwixt inner & outer, their respective mounting points, boots are intact and they keep their setting, leave 'em alone. In use they are only loaded as a two-force member, that is, in a straight line between the inner & outer mount points. There is no twisting load on them.

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
I think they are probably well worn in, but what I do is continue to run them as long as there is no play detected, boots leaking or any handling issue.


I second this.

 

[The_Jeff]

You're fine. They have to rotate slightly as the suspension goes through its motions anyway.

When people do alignments TREs get jammed hard against their rotational stops as they crank on the adjustment threads.

 

[BearZDefect]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
You're fine. They have to rotate slightly as the suspension goes through its motions anyway.

When people do alignments TREs get jammed hard against their rotational stops as they crank on the adjustment threads.

There's a reason not to get more alignments than necessary!

Last I checked, there is a hexagonal cross section on part of the rod so it can be held with a wrench instead of jamming against the end joint limits. But when it's someone else's property...

 

[mechtech2]

Tie rod ends differ in tightness.
Some come tight, and stay that way. Some loosen nicely with use.
Some are rubber dampened - mushy play even when new. They are supposed to be that way on some fords and others.

To ease your concerns, have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth 1-2 inches rapidly while you look and feel the joints. [car on ground - normal] No play is acceptable.

 

[The Critic]

I'll have to check again, thanks guys.

I just find it strange that despite the fact that the joint itself has no play, turning the tie rod itself causes the boot to flex and nearly tear-- possibly this indicates there's no grease left in the tie rod end?

It may be normal, but I still find it odd that neither the Altima, Saturn, van or Camry exhibit the same behavior.

 

[mechtech2]

Suspension joints loosen up and break in.
This can't be otherwise [until they break!].
Just check for slop like I previously said. This is all that you should concern yourself with.
And make sure the joints are oriented in the middle , not all the way one way or the other.