Question on wheel play

Just a quick question:

Which suspension part is worn when you grab the front wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position, and there is a little bit of play when moving it side-to-side (not top-to-bottom) ?

Thanks!

RE: Question on wheel play

Thanks Ray! I couldn't remember if those were the top-to-bottoms, or the side-to-sides!

-Scott

RE: Question on wheel play

Either the inner or outer tie rods.

RE: Question on wheel play

What about when you can move the tire up and down?

RE: Question on wheel play

Update on the wheel play:

LM dealer said LF outer tie rod end has unacceptable play. The RF outer isn't worn to the same extent, but he recommends doing them in pairs.

Quoted me $200 to replace both outers ($120) and do a 4 wheel alignment($80). I had planned on doing the tie rods myself, and then taking it in for the alignment.

I'm almost thinking that, for this price, I should have them do the whole job.

What do you think?

RE: Question on wheel play

Hey, Ray! Thanks for the *excellent* write-up!!

I'm printing out this post and putting it in my tool box as I type this response.

I need to refer to my CD shop manual to see what the special inner tie rod removal tools look like.

It looks like parts alone for both inners and outers will run about $125 (Moog), so I should probably just do both and just take it in for the alignment. I'm guessing it shouldn't take more than 2 hours to R&R both sides. Sound about right?

Thanks again!

-Scott