Inner and Outer Tie Rod Links

[elund126]

I determined my tie rod links are worn out. I have a '10 SHO with 55k miles on it. I just ordered MOOG inner and outer links (Inner part #EV800776 Outer #ES800222). $132.95 shipped from Partsgeek.com. That's about half the price of O'Reilly's or even Ford OEM parts.

When I get around to putting them on, I will try to remember to take pictures!!

[jomc111]

Definitely get pictures and links are always awesome for the lazy like myself hahah. Links to the product incase of confusion.  Post back up when there on to give a comparo

[crashnburn]

Are the grease boots still intact? Because my car has 37k and I swear something is loose up there, but Ford Service say otherwise :
If your grease boots are intact, what are the symptoms they had?

[elund126]

I have a rattling/clunking in the front end when I go over bumps at low speeds. Initially, I thought it could be the sway bar links, but I checked them and there is no play. Then, with the tire on, I shook it side to side (hands at 3 and 9 position) and there is a small amount of play. From what I understand, there should be no play. Also, it makes the same noise I hear when driving.

I will have to get an alignment after I put them on.

[elund126]

Definitely get pictures and links are always awesome for the lazy like myself hahah. Links to the product incase of confusion.  Post back up when there on to give a comparo

Here is link for the inner...
http://www.partsgeek.com/ss/?i=1&ssq=moog+ev800776&x=-649&y=-130

And the outer....
http://www.partsgeek.com/ss/?i=1&ssq=moog+es800222&x=-649&y=-130

[crashnburn]

I just checked my front tires like you did while having my girl friend hold the wheel. My passenger side is tight and makes no noise, but the drivers side moves a little bit and makes a light clunk noise. Is this what yours is doing? 

[elund126]

I just checked my front tires like you did while having my girl friend hold the wheel. My passenger side is tight and makes no noise, but the drivers side moves a little bit and makes a light clunk noise. Is this what yours is doing? 

Yes! Exactly what mine was doing.

[elund126]

Are the grease boots still intact? Because my car has 37k and I swear something is loose up there, but Ford Service say otherwise :
If your grease boots are intact, what are the symptoms they had?

I'm not sure where you live, but, we have Les Schwab Tires here in Washington. They do alignments along with some other services. If you have a place like that, they might be able to diagnose it for you for free if you want to make 100% sure. The tie rods are essential to keeping a car in alignment, so they deal with these components all the time.

[crashnburn]

I'm going to remove all of the wheels to clean inside them and inspect everything on the front end this weekend. I'll let you know what I find.

[elund126]

I have to take my son to the bike shop and show him how to fix his brakes, but when I get back, I will try to take a video of what my front wheels are doing.

[elund126]

The big brown truck dropped off my Moog inner and outer tie rod ends. Now, I just need to have a day off work and schedule an alignment. I hate having upgrades sitting in my garage in a box!!

[elund126]

I'm going to remove all of the wheels to clean inside them and inspect everything on the front end this weekend. I'll let you know what I find.

Just curious if you figured out your noise?

[elund126]

What a difference!! I replaced the outer tie rod ends with the new Moog parts and it drives like a brand new car. No more rattling going over bumps. I didn't have my phone when I was doing it, so, unfortunately there are no pictures.

One note....most of the rattling was coming from the passenger side. Once I removed the end link, I knew exactly why I was having problems....it was completely worn out.

Also, if you are going to do the inner tie rods, which I originally was going to do.....the universal inner tie rod tool I bought from Harbor Freight does not fit the OE inners. Also, Autozone did not have one big enough to loan out.

http://www.harborfreight.com/inner-tie-rod-removal-set-69619.html

So, in the end, I didn't do my inners. I feel confident because when I took the outers off, there was no play at all in the inners.

Anyways, off to get an alignment now.

[SHOdded]

On that note, maybe need to have a reference thread on this forum for alignment specs depending on wheel/tire/suspension setup.  To prolong parts service life.