Did the fun in the snow cost me a tie rod?

[ToyoMoyo1]

Every winter, after the first heavy snowfall, I take out my [1997] Corolla to an empty parking lot. I spend about half hour relearning how to drive in the snow to be prepared for nasty surprises on the road: hard turns and e-brake induced skids included.

I did this tonight, but I didn't get to my finishing move (*grins* the donuts) because I developed a serious pull to the right (10-15 degrees of the steering wheel to the left allows the car go straight) that I have to counter with a firm hand because if I stop steering slightly left it will immediately start moving to the right. I also developed the knocking sound as I turn the steering wheel side to side when I'm parked.

So what do you guys think? I'm guessing a worn tie rod end finally gave. Bent tie rod at the worst (a bit unlikely because I didn't hit anything).

How hard will it be to replace the tie rod? How about the tie rid end?

How do I know if it is inner or outer?

Is there some sort of DIY guide for this procedure?

I'm guessing that this will cost me an arm and a leg if I was to take it to the shop, but how much?

I know I should replace both sides of what ever is broken on one side - am I correct?


Will alignment be able to fix this? My guess is no.

Thanks a lot for your time!

[Callum3]

Jack the car up and grab the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock and give it a little shake(also try at 12 and 6), if theres play, take a look to see where its coming from. I dont know much about the inner tie rods but I can't imagine your outer tie is broken cuz then you would have some serious issues. Try your strut mounts, there common trouble spots.

[ToyoMoyo1]

Originally Posted by Callum3

Jack the car up and grab the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock and give it a little shake(also try at 12 and 6), if theres play, take a look to see where its coming from. I dont know much about the inner tie rods but I can't imagine your outer tie is broken cuz then you would have some serious issues. Try your strut mounts, there common trouble spots.

Thanks.

Tell me more about strut mounts - sounds plausible...

[Zembonez]

If you didn't nail any curbs, you should not have bent anything. I'd get it in the air and inspect it ASAP. Most parts are somewhat easily replaceable.

[ToyoMoyo1]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

If you didn't nail any curbs, you should not have bent anything. I'd get it in the air and inspect it ASAP. Most parts are somewhat easily replaceable.

Thanks for the good word!

[Callum3]

Open your hood and check the condition of you strut mounts, sometimes the strut punches through the upper mount. Also a big possibility is you broke a spring. Again, jack the car up and inspect them.

I've broken two springs hehehe, maybe I drive her alittle hard, but these North Bay roads dont help.

Good Luck

[ToyoMoyo1]

Originally Posted by Callum3

Open your hood and check the condition of you strut mounts, sometimes the strut punches through the upper mount. Also a big possibility is you broke a spring. Again, jack the car up and inspect them.

I've broken two springs hehehe, maybe I drive her alittle hard, but these North Bay roads dont help.

Good Luck

I'll check for strut mounts, but I think I'll take the car to few shops so they can lift her up and see what makes her angry.

I guess I'll get some quotes as well. If I have to replace one tie rod end should I replace both?

[96coroll]

You jack the car up. And check for play like that one guy said 3 9 and 12 and 6. If there is play and you want to determine in or outer. Get anotehr person to move it. while u have you had on the rod. Close to the engine side if u feel play there than it's your inner.

As for prices i just did this job on my friends nissan it was i think 50-80 for outter and 90 - 120 for inner. i don't think you need to change both sides just change them when they brake