curepunx

iTrader: (3)

I was getting the front wheels balanced...and then i took a look at the rods leading out from the rack and pinion...These are the images that came up...





*I went under and checked for any balljoint-play and didn't notice any.

The alignment is generally a bit off by a degree to the right.
Would these be the culprit?

My primary questions if they are bad/worn:
-Are they a simple replacement?
-Best place to consider purchasing them? ($50ea autozone/kragen & $70ea Lexus Dealer)

Oh and thanks!!!

Dereke

they are pretty easy to replace. just take out cotter pin, undo castle nut. pop off with a pickle fork or smack the tie rod part with a hammer(if you hit the ball-joint, you run the risk of mushrooming it and it not fitting through the hole.).

checker shucks craiger napa autozone.. whatever, they all sell the same part.

to check if they are the culprit put the front in the air and wiggle the tire back and forth, if there is slop then theyre shot.

also make sure to mark the threads on the inner tie rod so you can get the replacements back to that location till you can make it to the rack.

steveski

The way I understand tie rod wear is that if there is no play then they are not worn.

I grab hold of tie rod ends and push/pull up down and side to side (with car in the air and on the ground).