I had my front tires replaced with new ones last month. Today I went to get my car inspected and they said my tie rod was worn too much so they couldn't pass it. Is is possible that they could not have noticed this a month ago (since play in the wheel was one of my concerns)? They suggest that water may have gotten into the tie rod and been frozen when they changed the tires last month and since it is warmer now, the water has melted and rusted the tie rods. Is this possible?
Unnoticed broken tie rod?
Agreed on the water getting into the joint - that's total rubbish. Tie rod wear is normal wear and tear and tie rod replacement is a common, routine procedure. Your tire installer may not have checked for play in the tie rod ends. If they don't service tie rods where you had the tires installed then you can be almost assured they didn't.
ASE Certified Automotive Service Advisor
Unnoticed broken tie rod?
That's ridiculous. They have water in their brains. Did you ask the tire place for a front end inspection? They don't always do it for free.
There feeding you a load of bull on the water part... however is it you inner or outer tie rods that are bad
Did the same shop replace your tires and do your inspection? If so, did you specifically ask them to look at your steering linkage? It is possible that ice may have been in the tie rod at tire change time, causing less play. But any good shop would have noticed the poor shape the grease boot was in and recommended replacement. Go ahead and replace ALL inner/outer tie rods, its better for the alignment and a new set tends to wear at the same time. Use the best grease ( i prefer Lucas myself) you can find, and lube them periodically, depending on your driving conditions and environment.
