Hello All,
I own a 2003 Passat with 201,894 miles to be exact, yesterday (08/28/2014) I replaced all four tires with new ones. I immediately went to an alignment mechanic afterwards only to be told that my inner tie rods were bad and it's best to get them replaced before doing an alignment. The mechanic explained that he noticed a small play on my steering wheel and that's why the tie rods should be replaced. He also added that I would feel a vibration on my steering wheel when driving along with vibration when braking. however, as I currently my car I don't notice any of these symptoms. Would that be because the ties are just that new? I guess I appreciate my mechanic's honesty and not just taking my money. I haven't been able to get a second opinion from another mechanic but I intend to. I'm pretty handy with my car myself and have been able to do some work on my car like changing my CV Axles, Brakes, Oil Change to name a few :wrench:
My question is how hard will this job be to do myself if I need to change the Tie Rods and should I replaced both Inner and outer at once? Is there something I can check myself that will visibly let me know that my tie rods are bad? I know where they are and I can see my outer rods and I don't notice any cracks on the rubber gaskets but again i'm no expert. My biggest fear is to ruin my new tires soon and of course my safety. (I have a 4 year old that is always riding along and don't want to put him in danger). I don't hear any squeaks, or thumbs when driving. As of this moment the car is driving beautiful aside from the minimal and I mean MINIMAL swerve to the right the car has. (But that's because I haven't done the alignment yet) As always ANY advice is highly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance!
I own a 2003 Passat with 201,894 miles to be exact, yesterday (08/28/2014) I replaced all four tires with new ones. I immediately went to an alignment mechanic afterwards only to be told that my inner tie rods were bad and it's best to get them replaced before doing an alignment. The mechanic explained that he noticed a small play on my steering wheel and that's why the tie rods should be replaced. He also added that I would feel a vibration on my steering wheel when driving along with vibration when braking. however, as I currently my car I don't notice any of these symptoms. Would that be because the ties are just that new? I guess I appreciate my mechanic's honesty and not just taking my money. I haven't been able to get a second opinion from another mechanic but I intend to. I'm pretty handy with my car myself and have been able to do some work on my car like changing my CV Axles, Brakes, Oil Change to name a few :wrench:
My question is how hard will this job be to do myself if I need to change the Tie Rods and should I replaced both Inner and outer at once? Is there something I can check myself that will visibly let me know that my tie rods are bad? I know where they are and I can see my outer rods and I don't notice any cracks on the rubber gaskets but again i'm no expert. My biggest fear is to ruin my new tires soon and of course my safety. (I have a 4 year old that is always riding along and don't want to put him in danger). I don't hear any squeaks, or thumbs when driving. As of this moment the car is driving beautiful aside from the minimal and I mean MINIMAL swerve to the right the car has. (But that's because I haven't done the alignment yet) As always ANY advice is highly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance!