Waiting for a tow truck. What's wrong with my 4runner?

[DanielW]

So I left work today and about a quarter mile after I left the car started wobbling. I got out and inspected all wheels and didn't notice anything. After trying to turn I noticed that the car is behaving strangely during a turn. After turning the wheels to the left I got out to check again. My right wheel was still pointing straight. I was able to turn it freely with my hands. What is wrong with my car? It's an 08 with 160k on the odometer.

 

[unevolved]

Well, is your tie rod still attached to the right upright?

 

[fdbyrne]

Well, is your tie rod still attached to the right upright?

That's the most likely culprit.

 

[CXS]

What these guys said. It sucks when something breaks but at least this happened when it did rather than when you were doing 60mph on a highway which would probably have been a disaster.

Just giving you a reason to appreciate your timing!

 

[flighht2k5]

Loose lug nuts?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Loose lug nuts?

Wouldn't allow the wheel to turn independently of the other like that. Most likely the Tie Rod End broke.

 

[flighht2k5]

Wouldn't allow the wheel to turn independently of the other like that. Most likely the Tie Rod End broke.

Duh. Sorry I saw wobbly.

 

[DanielW]

It was the tie rod. So what can I expect to pay for parts and labor?

 

[fdbyrne]

Not much unless something else got damaged in the process. You'll need an alignment too.

 

[unevolved]

Completely spitballing here, but under $200. I'd guess $50 for parts and $100 for labor, assuming nothing else is broken.