Passenger front outer tie rod replacement

[rwh963]

strangely, several hundred miles after having the dealer replace the front axles and getting an alignment, i went to an independent for my inspection sticker. it passed, but was told there was some movement in the tie rod. brought the vehicle back to the dealer to see if something had not been installed correctly, and was told the tie rod needed replacement, and had nothing to do with the axle/alignment work. i found that strange since it went through the typical multi-point inspection and nothing was noted.

so, wondering if this is an easy job to do at home (they wanted $360!), and do i need another alignment?

 

[88Center]

strangely, several hundred miles after having the dealer replace the front axles and getting an alignment, i went to an independent for my inspection sticker. it passed, but was told there was some movement in the tie rod. brought the vehicle back to the dealer to see if something had not been installed correctly, and was told the tie rod needed replacement, and had nothing to do with the axle/alignment work. i found that strange since it went through the typical multi-point inspection and nothing was noted.

so, wondering if this is an easy job to do at home (they wanted $360!), and do i need another alignment?

Download repair manual. Has step-by-step from Toyota on how to do this job.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3895755-post7.html

Always check Youtube first. Ton of 4th gen vids and probably one of them covers this. It's pretty easy to do.

 

[rdruss]

strangely, several hundred miles after having the dealer replace the front axles and getting an alignment, i went to an independent for my inspection sticker. it passed, but was told there was some movement in the tie rod. brought the vehicle back to the dealer to see if something had not been installed correctly, and was told the tie rod needed replacement, and had nothing to do with the axle/alignment work. i found that strange since it went through the typical multi-point inspection and nothing was noted.

so, wondering if this is an easy job to do at home (they wanted $360!), and do i need another alignment?

It's not that hard because I've done it on my '03. Buy an OEM tie rod, watch a youtube video or two and have at it. I would say you won't need an alignment afterward, measure the threads and/or count them on the old one and adjust the new one to the same, should be good to go. Take you 2 hours at the most.

 

[AuSeeker]

strangely, several hundred miles after having the dealer replace the front axles and getting an alignment, i went to an independent for my inspection sticker. it passed, but was told there was some movement in the tie rod. brought the vehicle back to the dealer to see if something had not been installed correctly, and was told the tie rod needed replacement, and had nothing to do with the axle/alignment work. i found that strange since it went through the typical multi-point inspection and nothing was noted.

so, wondering if this is an easy job to do at home (they wanted $360!), and do i need another alignment?

It's not that hard because I've done it on my '03. Buy an OEM tie rod, watch a youtube video or two and have at it. I would say you won't need an alignment afterward, measure the threads and/or count them on the old one and adjust the new one to the same, should be good to go. Take you 2 hours at the most.

I agree...BUT don't use the "count the threads" approach, measuring is the only way to get it right, if the old and new ends aren't exactly the same then counting threads could cause you an issue, even OEM parts could be slightly different as far as where threads stop on the part.

 

[MikeinNH67]

You don't mention if it's the inner or outer tie rod. Outer is slightly easier. For how cheap the parts are, I would think about doing both on that side. Once the outer is broke loose from the knuckle, you will be able to feel how loose both ends are. If the inner flops around easily, it should be replaced. As for alignment, I would go with yes if you want your tires to last. You can get close by measuring and counting threads but tires cost more than alignment.

Seeing it passed inspection, I would think you have a bit of time to get it done.

 

[rwh963]

never had a tie rod fail. it it a slow failure, or sudden. been driving very carefully since learning about it. pot hole season isn't helping. did order a pair of outer rods, just in case the other should be done, at $67/ea from a local dealer. not sure who will install. weather is really nice going forward, but it is my only vehicle, so getting it done fast and right is important.

 

[rwh963]

outer; in the title.

 

[rwh963]

thx for the input. i picked up the outer tie rod at the dealer, asked about installing it, and they fit me in for $180. did not check around at my independents since they usually don't have openings for several days. they did not note the need for an alignment. i had one done a few hundred miles ago at another dealer. good to be back driving safely.

 

[MikeinNH67]

I've only seen one completely fail and that was when I was a kid 40+ years ago on a family members neglected pickup. Anyone who pays minimal attention to the feel of their car will notice the extra play and clunking in their steering when a ball joint is getting really loose.

Watch the tires and how it feels on wet roads. I would still at least have an alignment check as I don't trust any mechanic to get these exact.