gtstcactus

I was in the process of getting at the lower control arm before hitting a snag that I can't do anything about until morning...

In getting to that I disconnected the tie rod from the steering knuckle...

With the tie rod out of the knuckle but still attached to the inner tie rod should I be able to move the threaded bit that goes into the knuckle??? As in if I hold the tie rod near the adjusting nut with one hand, and then with the other hand try and move the thread shaft (from the grease boot that goes into the knuckle) should it be stiff or even not moveable or should I be able to move it easily??

Nelexus88

It should be movable by hand, but should not be loose fitting in any direction. New rod ends will be much harder to move than used ones.

ES300NZ

with the tie rod end removed from the steering arm (hub), you would not be able to detect play. It take the two to be joined together for play (excessive wear) to be detectable.

Unless the tie rod was so ruined that it was almost ready to come apart (I've never seen that).

as above, older tie rods move freely, if the ***** 'slops' in the housing or 'grinds' it's worn out.l