One of the outer tie rod ends on our 2003 RX broke and I need to get a replacement asap. Rock Auto indicates that they are interchangeable Lleft vs. Right and the most expensive one they sell is $28. The dealer claims they are different Left vs. Right, and the price is $135 each. I can't reconcile these two sources. Help! What say those of you who have had to replace an outer tie rod end.

 

updated part number 45046 -29255 tie rod end for left or right side, at one time left and right hand separate numbers.

 

thanks; appreciate it

 

How exciting was it when it broke?

 

Usually it is not exiting ,,, scary yes, but with 1 front under steering control and two in the rear wanting to go straight, the 4th predominantly provides a substantial drag. whith both front connected and no stearing can be exiting.

Salim

 

I was not in the car at the time. Car was in a relatively minor accident. Perhaps it broke first, caused driver to lose control, and hit car in next lane? I don't know. I've simply never heard of a tie-rod end breaking, certainly not without major impact.

 

personally after an impact like that, check the inner tie rod that it is not bent. Tie rods do fail the stud breaks out from the socket. Have your vehicle professionally aligned the equipment should report back to the tech if parts are bent. P.S. get ends that have grease fittings.