Replace Tie Rod Ends before alignment.

I recently replaced all 4 of my tires on my 98 Accord Couple (4Cyl). I
then decided to go in for an alignment at which the guys there informed
me that I would have to change both of my Front Tie rod ends before
they could proceed with the alignment.

My question is, how do I know when my tie rod ends have to be replaced
? And why can't I proceed with an alignment without replacing the tie
rod ends ? I just want to make sure that i'm not being taken for a ride
since they slammed me with an estimate of $450 for replacing the Tie
rod ends and the alignment.

Any suggestions / advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
Russzee

 

Because if they're worn, you'll have play and it will be impossible to
proeperly set the toe.

Not to mention that if one of your tie rod ends lets go on you, the bill to
fix the damage will be considerably more than $450!!!!

A reasonable cost, especially considering the consequences of not getting
worn ball joints replaced.
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/misc/lowerballjoint/index.html

 

did they say why? are they worn? what mileage is the car?

when they're loose.

if they're not loose, you can - no need to replace.

that's way high. get a second opinion.

state the freakin' model, age and mileage will ya?

 

Thanks for your responses and my apologies for not providing enough
information.

They said that there was slight play and that wheel alignment would be
useless if tie rod ends have play in them.My car has 128K miles on it.

I think they are slightly loose , not worn out.

I will get a second opinion on the price....Thanks for the heads up on
that.

My car is a Honda Accord 98 , Couple (4 Cyl - Automatic) , 128K


- Russzee

 

SAME THING. Are you a mechanical expert? If so, then why ask here?

 

I would also get a second and maybe even a third opinion on the tie rods
(what's bad, the inner or outer tie rod). It might be a shop that's
trying to improve it's bottom line. In my experience, when you have bad
tie rods you can tell. When driving, it will be hard to hold the car in a
straight line. You can also jack the front of the car up,lock the steering
and try to turn the wheels a little back and forth by grabbing the tires
and feel for ANY play. You should have almost none.
If your steering boots have gone bad, it can make the inner tie rods go
bad very fast. Been there, done that. Lastly setting unneeded toe in on
Honda's is a good money maker. I have seen shops that un-align cars. Good
luck.

 

me too. keeps the punters coming back for new tires regular as
clockwork. blame the tire or say the tie rods are worn and get even
more money for unnecessary replacement. especially with a honda where
this stuff is usually very durable.

regarding remedy, if you study the run line on the tire, you can see if
alignment is ok long before any tire wear's occurring. if you bought
the "alignment warranty", just keep taking it back to the shop. pretty
soon, they figure out that you're onto their little game and do it right.

persistence pays.

 

Thanks alot for your insights...
I'm taking it to another shop to get a second opinion. I'll follow up
soon reg. the outcome .

 

Tie rods are not adjustable, so slightly loose = worn out. Next step
is separation. That can be pretty ugly, so if they are loose do yourself,
and others who need to be on the same roads with you, a favor and get them
replaced.