Ok, went for the new tires and also needed inspection. Got the new tires and had the wheels aligned. It was way out. We were going to hold off on alignment because for inspection it was discovered the mechanic could grip the front drivers side tire and feel movement. This is were I originally took a small hit by another car. Determined an inner tie rod end needed replacement. Would not pass until replaced and so they went to computer and could not find the piece needed by itself, would not show up from any of their suppliers, and the thought was maybe its a whole assembly piece but not sure. Because the tire had worn so bad on outside as shown in pic for previous post, and I had to drive the car home and also put a few miles on it, thought was lets align it now to save tires, and would cut me a deal when I brought it back with tie rod replacement installed and do a re-alignment for half price. Not sure how to tackle an inner tie rod replacement so hopefully some members can give me some guidance on where to get it and anything I should know. I am posting pics of the area for reference. One pic is the other side of car but shows the whole thing from under if needed to better explain. Thanks for any help.

 

I hope other members can give their opinion. But here goes my 2 cents:

I believe the inner tie rods can be interchanged from a Lincoln LS. Theres not too many places that sell S type inner tie rods, that is, the complete rack had to be purchased.

I found these on motorcars ltd:

Tie Rod End - TIEROD.STYPE.L

 

Thank you, actually went to the repair place that told me what I needed and they were somewhat confused on the actual name. I am hoping I do not have to buy the whole unit steering unit. Here is what they said I need with the picture. It is the thing that goes under this rubber boot shown in pic. I am hoping I can just un-bolt it under the boot which I have not taken off as of yet and just replace that bar. Hoping Brutal or someone like that will chime in. Thank you for the reply.

 

I am a little confused. Why are they saying the rod needs to be replaced, is it bent? The Tie Rod is the unit that connected to that rod and goes the wheel hub assembly.

 

If there's play, something's not right. I'd think the bushes would be the most likely but if it's what they say then I'm at a loss.

Anyone else with ideas...

 

There may be damage to the inner tie rod pivot where it screws into the rack end, but it would take a significant amount of force to damage the inner pivot without displaying damage to the outer tie-rod end that attaches to the suspension upright.

Is the 'play' experienced by the Technician apparent only when the road wheel is moved from the nine and three o'clock positions, or is there also 'play' when moved from the twelve and six o'clock positions? If there is play in other directions other than to the front-rear, there could be a worn or damaged wheel bearing or upper/lower ball joints, which sometimes happens if the vehicle is involved in an accident where there is impact to the tyre or wheel.

NBCat

 

Thank you all for the help. I guess the confusion arises because of his analysis of grabbing the tire and saying it has movement and everything attached to the tire before it gets to what he is claiming is needed for replacement, their should be something wrong with one of those items, correct? I am going there this morning and will discuss and post response.

 

Usually the outer tie rods only go bad. Its a easy check. You put your hand on the joint and move the tire back and forth feeling for play. They pay .6 each side and .6 for both(thats nice isnt it) plus alignment
remanned racks for jag are $300 w/core, $200 for lincoln ls w/core ( youll have electronic variable force rack, dont get one without)
if the outer joint is tight and theres movement then the inners are bad. If the inners are bad and the outers are good. I would still replace them because of mileage and its only part cost no added labor. Yes mtorcars has the inners for $65. Plus boots

 

Should you in fact need a steering rack assembly, you may also want to try RACK DOCTOR - Quality Rack and Pinion Remanufacturing as they are located in your time zone and have excellent prices and services. I have used them on several occasions without issue. A rack for your MY, depending on design, ranges from $129 to $179, exclusive of any core charges.

NBCat

 

I have used Motor Cars Ltd/ BPI on several inner tie rod ends they do wear and get loose.
Bob
British Auto

 

Brutal;
I have had to use a special wrench to remove inner tie rod ends on other steering racks. A standard way of checking the inner tie rod ends is to see if the inner will hold the tie rod in place or does the tie rod just drop as far down as it can?

Does the S Type need one too?

Mine looks like this with the different size crow foot wrenches.


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^^^ Im sure it probobly does as other Ive done do. But as you know we only replace with remanned units. On my own i take it to a rebuilder here in Houston and they resel and replace the inners with a lifetime warranty

 

No special tool needed

 

BOBCO51;
Thanks but can you explain how to get it off? The special tool is really just a super deep socket so you can get on the flats of the nut.

Is there a roll pin to remove? All inner tie rods I have replaced are somehow staked so they won't back off. The new inner tie rod usually comes with a replacement roll pin.
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Went back to the service place and they said when they check they use two people, one to move the tire and the other to look for where anything might be loose. My luck both the manager and tech guy who worked on the car were off today so this is coming from the asst manager. I was going to call tomorrow morning to confirm again. If it is what they say, I will probably as Brutal suggested replace both inner and outer. Only issue is reading these posts and a special tool to remove these things. Is that the case? Sorry BobCO51, was not sure if you were asking or stating and I am guessing stating no special tool. Thanks. Thank you all for the great help and comments.

 

say if it is the left inner needing replaced turn the wheel full right remove clamps on inner boot and slide boot off there is no pin just locktite put a wrench on the flats and turn counter clockwise,add locktite when installing new one

 

well there ya go, now we all know

 

You make it sound too easy to replace. That's it? And Brutal seems to say yes so ok, will give it all a go and give the results. Thanks

 

One more question, if replacing the boot that goes over the inner rod is this it?

Power Steering Rack Boot - XR837398

Thanks

 

Sounds cool BOBCO51!

Amadauss;
Please post back on how it worked. Sounds like a great tip!
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