Is it normal to have %26quot;play%26quot; in the tie rods of a car?
I was told by one mechanic while they were changing the oil they noticed a few things, the loose tie rods being one of them and suggested we take it to the dealership since it is under warranty, upon taking it to the dealership we were told %26quot;it is normal to have play in the tie rods%26quot; and in the end didn't touch them...I feel like the front end of the car is loose (would that be associated to this as well?)
Please, if you are a mechanic can you help me out?
Thanks!
Play in tie rods...is that normal?
I wish I could give you a direct yes or no.
First; Was the oil changer a mechanic, or was he a Jiffy Lube oil changer?
Second; What does he call %26quot;play%26quot;? Play along the length of the tie rod is bad, you will usually notice it when your tires start wearing on one edge since it effects alignment.
If you notice that you can twist the shaft, and the tie rod end rotates a little around itself, that is okay, and is probably the normal play that the dealer is referring to.
I would trust the dealer, but if you aren't sure, take it to another shop that you trust, or even another dealer, and get a second opinion.
Good luck.
Play in tie rods...is that normal?
There is supposed to be some free movement in them to allow normal operation but not excess wear.It may be helpful to get another opinion.
shouldnt see or feel much normal to have every little movement not hard to cherck jack up wheel hold left to right shake if you feel it move its bad
what kind of mechanic is he? the front end has to be tight and no movement what so ever and that,s including the tie rods.
It feels loose since somebody said it was loose? It felt fine before? Sounds like mind over matter.
If the dealership says it is within tolerance, then it is fine. For peace of mind you can get a 3rd opinion from a shop that does front end alignments. If they give you written confirmation it is out of spec, take that back to the dealer, if they say it is within tolerance, then you know for sure.
