I don't know if you should buy OEM...I usually get my parts at NAPA. Don't know what the best is I'm sure most people won't agree with my choice of parts but I've been using NAPA for years (except my truck wheel bearings). Did you happen to notice the play on the outertie rod end, or were the outer ends solid and the play possibly coming from the inner tie rod (at the rack)?

Sounds like you may have found the problem. At least they do not require that much work to remove and replace. Be sure to get an alignment when you are done. You can keep the alignment close by not backing off the locking nut on the tie rod.

 

Sorry...you will have to back off the nut a touch to get the tie rod end off...

 

That's what I was thinking rbrumm. I see it's a pretty straight forward task, but I want to avoid an aligment as best I can, cause i've NEVER had an aligment done right. Even from a dealer.

And Meridian, just to be clear, I never said anything about your suspension at 75k, so you can't say "everyone" got on your case. I would've backed you up on that if I would've seen the thread.

I just wanted to thank you guys again for the help. Always a great group of peeps on this site, and i'm glad to be a part of it. I'll report on the repair once it's done.

 

Generic term! Ok, Almost everyone. Happy?

 

Ok that's better!!