Can my inner tie rods be shot and I would not know it

Tiny
BBONER9
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 TOYOTA
  • 0.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 188,670 MILES
I went in for a safety check and the guy said I would have to fix my inner tie rods, and that he could not pass me because of this. So I left went home jacked up my car. There was some play not much. As I got under the car every thing looked good no damage to the boots no oil leaking. It looks solid. But my passenger side motor mount the top one is shot No good at all and my struts are all torn up. That too looks like it needs to be replaced. My car does make noise. But I thought it was coming from my mounts and struts. Sorry no pictures available. Can my inner tie rods be shot and I would not know it? My steering is tight and tires are good no uneven or trouble spots. Should I just replace it or should I change my struts and mounts first?
Saturday, October 1st, 2016 AT 10:12 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
You can check the inner rod ends by jacking up the car and holding the wheel at nine and three 0'clock pull back and forth gently, there should not be any movement, if the inner ends are worn you will feel movement and see the movement in the tie rod moving in and out slightly. If the outer rod end is worn you will feel the same movement but the movement will be seen in the ball of the outer rod end. With the car jacked up always use a safety stand and set the car on a firm level surface.
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Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 AT 3:42 AM
Tiny
BBONER9
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks, I will check it out in the morning and I will be getting back to you.
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Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 AT 5:21 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one, I always check the tie rods with the weight on the tires. I start it up and have someone rock the the steering wheel left to right about 90 degrees. While I have my hand on the putter tie rod feeling for play.
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Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 AT 9:05 AM

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