Hi I have a 98 Dodge Stratus and when I took it in for a oil change yesterday they said that both tie rods are bad. One of them I does make a clunk noise when turning at like 35 down a back road. My question is would it be fine to take on a 200 mile trip before this is done? Also replacing the tie rods ends looks pretty easy from what I seen in a youtube video. I will include the link. If I do both tie rod ends will it still need a alignment? Every shop around me wants 150+ for the tie rod ends and alignment but if I can do it myself with a jack, a couple sockets, grease gun and a hammer I think I can handle it myself. Here is the link.

 

After replacing a tie rod end, a front wheel alignment will be necessary.

 

If your replacing both tie rod ends do you need a alinement

 

yes you will need to get it aligned ,when your replacing the ends make sure you pay attention to number of threads showing before you remove end, when tou replace try to get same # of threads showing should be straight enough to drive it for alignment then

 

No, I wouldn't risk taking it on a 200 mile trip with bad tie-rod ends.

Yes, they are easy to replace. The first home-maintenance job I ever did was to replace the tie-rod ends on my Stratus. That's what gave me the confidence to start doing more work on my car. YouTube is a great resource, but check to see if your public library has a subscription to Chilton's online database. That's a great place to start too.

Yes, you will need an alignment. Shop around. Some places will charge less if you only need a front-end alignment. My last alignment cost $55.