Check the rod end by grabbing it at the end, and push it up and down, by hand. Any vertical movement indicates it is bad. Using pliers to squeeze them is not recommended as new ones will show movement, and it may damage the spring in the socket.

 

Wiggling the tire from side to side at 3 and 9 is for the tie rod. But it is possible to have play that you can't reproduce this way. So also have someone gently rock the steering wheel back and forth while you look at all steering components for play. Typically any play that you can see this way or feel the other way is enough to warrant replacement.

 

Not to be rude but how exactly does that show a bad tie rod? From 3-9 is pretty much side to side in which case the tie rod end is a ball and socket type joint and is suppose to move like that. Up and down play or "in and out" of the joint would signify excessive wear.

 

You have that backwards kinda. Joints like that wear in the direction that they are loaded, which is from left to right in a tie rod. Any play between the stud and the body of the joint is bad in this direction. There are some situations where up and down play if a tie rod is acceptable if there is no play in the direction of load. That being said, if you can achieve any play in any direction with your hands, I would replace the joint.


I forgot to mention with the balljoints. If you don't feel any play moving the tire, also put a pry bar under the tire and lift up on the tire and look for play that way. Sometimes the extra leverage is needed to reveal the movement. I would think though a 35" tire will give you enough leverage anyway.

 

If your within reasonable driving distance of Northwoods I'd have them do it

Where I live now there is no decent shop within driving distance

Hopefully we are moving back to Maine where there is a great shop who put on my dynatracs and 37's

Matthew