Front Pass Side Wheel Excessive Play - (pix)

[californiak]

OK, while checking my front wheel brakes I noticed there is excessive play in my passenger side front wheel. I could see the rod pictured move laterally about 1/8" - 1/4" back and forth.

I checked yotatech forum and found a thread on this but it was long and confusing. I like to find out what this part is called and how much do stealerships charge to replace/repair this problem. I know inside the rubber boot is a ball joint that maybe the problem. Also simplified explanation how difficult of a job is it to replace the lining in the ball joint, should I attempt to tackle this job, any special tools needed?

If any of you have some experience with this I would like to hear from you.

BTW drivers side is nice and tight, no excessive play at all.

Thanks

 

[californiak]

For some reason the picture did not post, here is a link to photo:

http://s236.photobucket.com/albums/ff249/californiak/?action=view&current=PassFrontEnd1953.jpg

 

[TNTEMPEST]

Inner Tie rod since that is where the play is , the whole assembly is the tie rod, the part near the wheel is the outer tie rod.

 

[californiak]

My 98 4runner 4WD only has one piece going from the wheel to the steering assambly boot, so I am assuming its called tie rod only. There is no inner/outer part.

So does enyone have any experience with replacing/fixing this problem. Could this be adjusted to take out the play? Maybe needs wheel allighnment? I am stumped, there is a thread and big nut on the end near steering assembly, I could try to adjust it. But if it is the ball joint inside the boot it could just make thing worse. The ball joint on the wheel side is nice and tight. Am I correct in assuming if there was something wrong with the rack and pinion then the driver side would have the same excessive play?

Curious how much dealers charge to replace

 

[Adam F]

My 98 4runner 4WD only has one piece going from the wheel to the steering assambly boot, so I am assuming its called tie rod only. There is no inner/outer part.

It sure does. See the pics....#1 is the outer tie rod, #3 is the inner...


1) OUTER TIE ROD
2) TIE ROD BOOT
3) INNER TIE ROD
4) STEERING GEAR HOUSING
5) RACK
6) STEERING GEAR
7) KNUCKLE ARM
8) CONTROL VALVE
9) GUIDE

the part in the boot is the inner tie rod. It's basically a ball and socket.