Innie or Outie?

[SexyDSM95]

Hey guys a question/story for you:
I know my tie rod is bad but I am not sure if it's the inner or outer tie rod. As my car sits right now, in order for me to drive straight, my steering wheel has to be slightly turned towards the right (passenger side). Sometimes when I take a left or turn the steering wheel left there is a popping noise. If you want to ask me any more questions feel free to IM me, thanks for the help so far.

 

[wret]

So, what is your question?

 

[SexyDSM95]

So, what is your question?

How do I know if the tie rod that is worn is inner or outer....

 

[ACM]

Wrap your hand around the outer tie rod/steering arm, place your other hand on the opposite side of the wheel and rock the wheel side to side as if turning. If you have a worn outer you will feel very obvious movement.

To check the inner tie rod, turn the steering to full lock so that the tie rod in question is pushed as far out of the rack as possible, and have someone hold the steering wheel in that position, hard against the lock stop. This time wrap your hand around the inner joint and rock the wheel in the same manner - any play will be very obvious.

Replacement of the inner joint is actually quite simple, the only teaser is getting to the band clamp and positioning it so that it is easily tightened back up.

Obviously, drive slowly to your nearest alignment shop after replacing either of these, your wheels will be pointing every which way to Sunday.

Charles