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LTU Dak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/19/2004
20:36:19
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 Subject: tie rod, ball joints
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Message:
I took my 99 Dak 2WD to a trusted mechanic and was informed, like many of you, that the ball joints were worn out but also that the right inner tie rod needs to be replaced. However, I can't find any posts regarding the actual tie rod. Everyone seems to refer to the "tie rod end" not just the "tie rod". Could my mechanic be referring to the tie rod end and not the tie rod?
1999 318ci CC 2WD
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Canadian Eh
Dodge Dakota
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1/20/2004
19:50:32
|  RE: tie rod, ball joints
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Message:
The tie rod is the rod that connects your steering box to you tires. On dakota's you have a cup and ball joint on either end of this rod (hence inner and outter tie rod ends). Mechanics usually refer to these as "your inner tie rod" is worn out when in fact they mean that you inner tie rod END is worn out. In other words the cup is getting too big for the ball so your steering will start to get sloppy and if left unattended long enough the ball will just fall out and then you'll have some problems. This cup and ball joint is entirely separate from your Ball Joints which are part of your suspension not your steering. Good luck
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jmagsho
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/25/2004
10:51:57
|  RE: tie rod, ball joints
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Message:
LTU,
Talk to your mechanic, and ask for clarification (ie: is it the inner or outer tie rod) thats bad. Typically, the outer goes first and then the inner.
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LTU Dak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/25/2004
15:20:17
| RE: tie rod, ball joints
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Message:
jmagshow,
On the list of problems he printed up on the estimate, "Right Inner Tie Rod" is clearly listed. So then I simply need to purchase a right inner tie rod end, correct?
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jmagsho
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/25/2004
21:09:23
| RE: tie rod, ball joints
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Message:
Yep. Beware if you are going to attempt this yourself. You need a special tool to remove/install the inner tie rod. You have to remove the outer first and make sure you count the turns while removing it, otherwise you will really mess up your alignment.
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LTU Dak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/25/2004
22:58:20
| RE: tie rod, ball joints
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Message:
Alright, I think i'll just change the lower ball joints myself and let my mechanic change the tie rod end. He owes me some money b/c he broke one of the crossovers of my components that i had mounted on the kick panel when he pressed the e-brake so the whole operation will be fairly cheap.
Is there anything I need to know about the ball joint change besides i need to get a press from autozone and a picklefork ball joint seperator?
1999 5.2L CC Auto
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