Replacing inner tie rod questions

[razortray]

Took the h3 in for routine oil change. While there I was informed my inner tie rod on the passenger side had alot of play. Also my lower balljoints have minor play. The mechanic in the shop said the balljoints aren't bad enough to worry with at the moment, but couldn't do an alignment till the tie rod was fixed. I understand that just wondering if the tie rod end was something i could do myself? Also il have new balljoints installed or wait for now? Thanks


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[JPaul]

should be pretty easy to do, it's pretty accessible I think. Just have to take off the boot at the rack and unscrew the tie rod. Might make it easier to take the wheel off, but I think there is enough room to not even have to bother with that much. I'd replace the whole tie rod personally, not just the inner end. heck, might as well replace both of the tie rods while you're mucking about under there.

 

[4speedfunk]

Just put a new rack on it. The H3 is made from throw-away components, and its very easy to replace the entire thing. Much easier than messing with boots, rod-ends, and individual components. While you have it out, install an aftermarket bushing kit. This will keep it bolted in place much better than the original GM bushings. Do it once...forget it forever.

 

[Schwarttzy]

Yeah it's super easy, but you're never going to match what the computer can do with out one for getting the alignment right. In my opinion you should have them do it because you need an alignment the second you do it.

 

[alrock]

Along the lines of what 4speed says, verify it's the actual tie rod vs. the rack that's worn out. Most likely, it's both and you may just be patching the problem. I've replaced the rack once due to "worn inner tie rod" and I'm about to replace it a second time due to worn internal components that allow the tie rod to move up and down within the rack.

 

[MTUH3]

I just did inners and outers on mine this spring. easy job for any home mechanic.

I used larger several sixteenths wrench to remove the inner from the rack. I left the inner and outer attached to each other, then laid out the new parts on the bench to guess at the lengths (alignment still required after). A tip I learned was to undo the sway bar links, just to make it easier to screw in or out the inner. The sway bar was in the way a little bit.

I understand the lines of reaplcing the rack, I nearly did the same thing... but... well.... just decided not to for some reason. I really don't have a good answer. LOL

 

[rascole]

Took the h3 in for routine oil change. While there I was informed my inner tie rod on the passenger side had alot of play. Also my lower balljoints have minor play. The mechanic in the shop said the balljoints aren't bad enough to worry with at the moment, but couldn't do an alignment till the tie rod was fixed. I understand that just wondering if the tie rod end was something i could do myself? Also il have new balljoints installed or wait for now? Thanks


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Whats your budget like?
$125 for a set of inner and outer tie rods.
$300 for a new rack with inner and outer rods.

 

[alrock]

I just did inners and outers on mine this spring. easy job for any home mechanic.

I used larger several sixteenths wrench to remove the inner from the rack. I left the inner and outer attached to each other, then laid out the new parts on the bench to guess at the lengths (alignment still required after). A tip I learned was to undo the sway bar links, just to make it easier to screw in or out the inner. The sway bar was in the way a little bit.

I understand the lines of reaplcing the rack, I nearly did the same thing... but... well.... just decided not to for some reason. I really don't have a good answer. LOL

Whats your budget like?
$125 for a set of inner and outer tie rods.
$300 for a new rack with inner and outer rods.

Budget is always a factor

 

[rascole]

Budget is always a factor

Well, then don't touch it and save yourself some money.

 

[mantracker]

Learning here....I have another question.

Is an aftermarket rack okay, (as in Autozone),or is GM preferred?

 

[razortray]

I ended up ordering a new rack just made more sense to me. Won't have to worry about that for a while


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