Has anyone ever replaced their tie rod ends on a 3rd Gen? I took it to get an alignment today because I got some new tires and its been needed an alignment for a while. They couldn't do the alignment b\c they said the tie rod ends were bad. I got quoted over $500 to do both front ones. Jeez those things are like $50 each...LOL! Any write ups on tie rod end replacements?

 

Outer Tie Rod:
1. remove cotter pin
2. unbolt the castle nut
3. use puller to pop off old ball joint
4. unscrew tie rod
5. replace with new
6. get it aligned

Make sure that the steering rack is good by jacking the vehicle up and shaking one of the wheels.
If it moves back and forth freely = bad rack
If it is ridged = good rack

I got a complete steering rack from junk yard with boots and tie rods for $125 and did the work myself

 

how do you know if your tye rods are bad (while driving)?

I had a ford van that these went out on, and it had really poor self-centering. My 4R is *slightly* pulling and I'm wondering - it seems to do the same....although...it's rear wheel drive, so the centering is not as abrupt.

I'm at 103k miles. I guess jacking it up and trying to twist the wheels off might be a clue>?

a

 

Ok I just got it back from the wheel shop and their notes state that I need both inner tie rod ends and a left front outer. I wonder if this stuff would be covered under warranty?

Thanks for the help!

 

who told you they were bad? I used to take my rig to Meineke. After my lift I took it there for an alignment and they said it couldn't be done because one of my tie rod ends was bad. I took it to the dealer and they said everything was fine. They also said that it's not uncommon for non-toyota technicians to mis-diagnose bad tie rod ends.

That was about 3 years ago

A few months ago I had my rig in for some routine work (I only take it to my dealer now), and after they finished the work they gave it a good once over and notice that one of my tie rod ends was bad. I had it fixed for about $160. So to me, your estimate seems a bit high, but my dealer's prices are generally pretty good.

 

I took it to sears to have the alignment done and they told me that the ends were bad. I'm taking it up to the dealership this morning to see what they have to say.

 

Now its at the dealership waiting to see if it will be covered under warranty. If it isn't, then I'm looking at about $680 bucks to replace both inner tie rods and both outer tie rod ends.

 

Data,

I can't offer any advice on your tie rod troubles, I was just wondering if you had any pics of your new tires on your 4Runner? When did you get them? How do you like them, etc.? I remember liking the looks of the Trxus MTs in your poll way back when, but didn't know you actually got them...till I read your sig just now.
Thx,

 

Yeah I'll snap you some pics as soon as I get the runner back. I got em about umm...probalby a week ago. I haven't gotten to test them out yet. I went with them b\c they were fairly cheap and the tread seemed pretty aggressive. Plus they are siped, which will help in rain/icy conditions. I'll get ya some pics ASAP

 

well i just got off the phone with the service manager at the dealership and he told me that the tie rods were gonna be covered under warranty. i'm pretty stoked! I figured they wouldn't be since it was a "wear" item, but luckily it was.

 

Data-
did you buy your '98 ltd as a certified used or do you have some sort of extended warranty? I woulda thunk a '98 would be out of warranty by now!?!

Aaron

 

COol, thanks!

I actually saw some in person yesterday on a lifted Tacoma, and they looked really good. The amount of siping (and the price) is what I was drawn to as well. I'll try and ask you again in 4 or 5 months how you still like 'em...

Good news on the tie rod! Glad your dealer is working with you.

Later,

 

I purchased a 100k mile warranty for like $1,000 extra. I'm glad I purchased it because it has already paid for itself.