[tha_dub]

Hi all

I was hoping someone could provide me some insight. In the front right wheel of my Pat I've got a bit of play in the power steering arm where it links to the wheel.

Should I try to just tighten the bolt on top? Pull it apart and see whats going on? or something else?

Hopefully you can see the attached pic.


Thanks!

 

[tha_dub]

Okay now I feel a bit dumb. That is the front ball joint that's got play in it. I'm guessing here but it just needs to be replaced? It just started last week. Should I be very concerned driving if for safety reasons and not drive it or just get it fixed very soon?

Thanks!

 

[Terasec]

Toe link? Its a $30 part and $30 labor to replace
Replace it, could last 6 months or 6 days

 

[tha_dub]

Sorry all. I'm learning as I go. I'm pretty sure it's the tie rod end. So same question is this a major safety concern or can I drive the car for a few days then go get the part? Should I just do both sides?

Anyone got a link to decent instructions!

Thanks

 

[Terasec]

Pretty simple
Will neef alignment when replaced
To get alignment close , when removing count how many rotations to remove
Then rotate new tie rods same amount when installing
Outer tie rods are simple to replace
Inner a little more complicated
If doing yourself might as well do both sides
Having a shop do it should only be like $30 labor each side plus cost of alignment

 

[darseygodwin]

Don't let it wait. Tie rods and ball joints both do eventually fail. I've seen plenty of wheels stuffed into the wheel well (ball joint) and personally saw three tie rods go: one on the freeway with a front wheel wobbling like crazy as the driver tries to pull over their SUV, and the other two was with the wheel wedged steering inwards.