Cascade Crew

Al Hasse · Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:52 am Post subject: One catastrope avoided.

Last week I replaced the front brake pads and rotors on Mom's Dodge Stratus. She'd been complaining of the chirping sound they make when the wear indicator starts touching the rotor. The rotors were too thin to resurface, so replacement was in order. After the job was done, I took the car to have the fluid flushed and replaced, I'd rather not do it in my driveway. The courtesy inspection revealed a bad outer tie rod end. Quote for said tie rod end was over $300, for a $25 part, so I decided to buy a pair at NAPA for just under $50.

Fortunately, Mom doesn't drive her car alot. I got the front off the ground this morning and got to work. After I got the worn driver side rod end off, I played with it a bit, cut off the rubber boot and was quite shocked at what I found. I could move the joint in and out a good 1/2" Shocked

With a little more playing around with it, I was able to separate the two pieces with little effort.

Here's what they looked like after removing the rubber boots. The driver side is on the right as I took the picture.

Now it's to the alignment shop to finish the job.
BTW, these had no grease fittings on them and whatever was around the joint had the consistency of modeling clay. The ones I installed have a grease fitting and are well lubed now Cool

DBL_TKE · Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:54 am Post subject:

yikes!

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 12:18 pm Post subject:

That's Mopar for ya.

91RSVert · Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 4:57 pm Post subject:

I hope your mom gave you a giant hug!

RSFreak · Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 5:34 pm Post subject:

I was sitting in the drive-thru at Taco Bell in my Camaro a few years ago when I heard a "thunk" from under the car. As I tried to pull forward I found that I couldn't turn. I got out and looked under to see my driver side tie rod lying against the ground! Shocked

Al Hasse · Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 6:16 pm Post subject:

Before I removed the originals, I shot a little spray paint where the rod ends connect to the adjuster. That way, I could get close to where they were when I went to the alignment shop.

Here's my alignment sheet. As expected the left front was quite far out, but I didn't expect the rear to so far out. I suppose it's been a long time sice we've had it aligned Embarassed

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 7:02 pm Post subject:

Al Hasse · Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:03 am Post subject:

chevymad · Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:09 am Post subject:

Back when I was 16, first time I drove my 68 chevelle, I took it straight to an alignment shop. Old guy there jacked it up and started shaking the wheels.. and the tie rod popped right out of its sleeve! Then he gave me a real talking to, just like he was my dad. Probably deserved it, that stuffs dangerous. But at the time I didnt know anything and thats why I took it to the shop in the first place. The 40 mile drive to get there was scary thinking back on it though.

RSFreak · Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 6:09 pm Post subject: