Ball joint, Tie rods, Ect...?!

[Boostn2g]

Ok, so just recently when I drive my 2g Talon, after taking a turn, the steering of the car will be stuck right or left and i have to correct it by moving the steering wheel the opposite way to correct the steering straight. I also hear a creaking noise when turning at a slower speed. I've seen these problems on a 1g laser before but never stuck around to find out the real problem. What are these symptoms most likely? I haven't got the car jacked up and checked for play just because someone may know a direct answer Thanks

[Boostn2g]

How can I tell if I need a new tie rod end?
Tie rod ends themselves typically don't go bad. What goes bad is the boot gets cracked or cut open, and the grease spills out. The boot fills with dirt, dust, and grime, and causes the moving parts to wear quickly. Some signs of a bad tie rod end would be front end shaking or vibration, and abnormal noise, especially when steering. After steering, if the vehicle doesn't return back to center aligned properly, has hard steering, wanders, or generally feels unstable, loose or has excessive steering wheel play, you probably need a new tie rod end.

[Boostn2g]

seems like i've answered my question

[Halon]

If your boots are ripped open and it looks like a dirty mess there, than replacing them wouldn't be a horrible idea. Rockauto.com has new outter tie rod ends for $5 each for 2G's. At that price why not just replace them.

Also, not sure exactly how 2G steering racks are mounted, but if they have stock rubber bushings, might take a look at those and see if they are damaged, causing some excess slop. If so, some new bushings might also make quite a difference. I just put poly bushings in my SC300 and they made a huge difference as my old oem rubber ones were shot.

Have you seen if the steering rack boots are torn at all also?

[polishmafia]

Once you make sure the rack bushings are good (or after replacement) and replacement of the tie rod ends, make sure you get an alignment.

[cmspaz]

You realize you were in an auto parts store talking to a guy who could not only have told you this but have gotten you the parts yesterday, right?

[A//// Guy]

Yea, why didnt you realize that? Come on dude.

Id replace the tie rods if you feel any looseness in the steering. The noise could be made by balljoints as well and I think 2gs have weak ones that were once under recall?

[Halon]

Originally Posted by cmspaz

You realize you were in an auto parts store talking to a guy who could not only have told you this but have gotten you the parts yesterday, right?

I completely agree, Nick at Brookdale Mitsu is great!!

[1QUICK4]

Originally Posted by A//// Guy

The noise could be made by balljoints as well and I think 2gs have weak ones that were once under recall?

If it is creaking when you turn that is one of the sure signs a 2G balljoint is on its way out. The fact that your steering is binding up only points that direction more. Outer tierods can go bad without a torn boot. outer tie rods usually won't make a clunk or much for noise. You will feel the front end wander at speed though.

Get that BJ checked out ASAP! It cost alot more, maybe even your life, when it finally seperates

[Boostn2g]

Originally Posted by cmspaz

You realize you were in an auto parts store talking to a guy who could not only have told you this but have gotten you the parts yesterday, right?

Ha, you got a 1g lower ic pipe?

P.s. your manager was pissed i was there! lol

[Boostn2g]

Originally Posted by polishmafia

Once you make sure the rack bushings are good (or after replacement) and replacement of the tie rod ends, make sure you get an alignment.

I wouldn't trust anyone else just because shops are tryin' to make extra side money. IMO. I worked for one.And i would like to replace tie rods and ball joints. What am i looking for as far as labor goes? I'm bring my own parts

[cmspaz]

Originally Posted by Boostn2g

Ha, you got a 1g lower ic pipe?

P.s. your manager was pissed i was there! lol

Yes I do, but it's hacked up for a 16G.

And I don't care, he can be pissed all he wants, if I'm not causing any real problems I'm not going to get written up.

[DoughtCom]

2G's were indeed recalled for lower ball joints

[Boostn2g]

Well brought it into my buddies shop, ball joints and tie rods are in good shape. The passenger side lower ball joint has minimal play. It needs an alignment. Good news i suppose. Hmm still curious about the wandering of the steering sometimes. and creaking.. I've notice the creaking ALOT when its wet out..

[Halon]

Did you check steering rack bushings like I mentioned?

[Boostn2g]

I asked but we both got ADHD. I have an appointment for the alignment friday. I'm goin' to for sure get that checked out. Simple to do out of a garage? Vfaq has the install for a 1g.

[1QUICK4]

Originally Posted by Boostn2g

Well brought it into my buddies shop, ball joints and tie rods are in good shape. The passenger side lower ball joint has minimal play

What did your buddy use for spec for minimal play. Mitsu uses a dial indicator and a fish scale to check it. Alot of times there is no play because it's fused together with rust in the cup (hence your steering return problems)

Any play is very bad on the 2Gs. It will go from "minimal" to seperated in a blink of an eye with our MN roads.

[awd-drifter]

^^Oh Snap!

I should make a video of how disgustingly-horridly-terrible my ball joints, tie rods, etc is. It's really bad. Like really bad. I will make a video soon. Becareful. One of the reason why my car will be sitting through winter.

[Boostn2g]

No tools like that were involved. Just shaking it around a bit, even grabbed the manager to do it lol

[cmspaz]

If the ball joints have play, replace them. End of story. I'd normally recommend having the recall done, since it'll be free, but it being a Talon you'll have to go back to Chrysler, and that's something I'd avoid at all costs after the only two experiences I've had with them. Mitsu won't do the recall on a car that "isn't theirs".

Just pick up the control arms and do it yourself.