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Front wishbone and tie rod ends

  • 25-05-2015 9:22am
    #1
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭


    After been down getting new tyres on the front of my car (2001 1.4 bora) the lads said there was a bitve play in the front driver side and said it could be track rod ends and then they said they reckon the wishbone is on its way out on the front passenger side.

    Anyone on here able to advise me is there an easy way of checking these parts and would it be a DIY job? Don't want to go forking out money for labour at a garage if I could do it myself

    Thanks for any replies


Comments

  • #2
    irish bloke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,057 ✭✭✭irish bloke


    If your anyway handy with tools then yes it's DIY.

    To check jack it up and use a prybar to see if there is any play in the joints


  • #3
    visual
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,267 ✭✭✭visual


    Tie rods are easy to check

    rock the steering wheel until you feel the wheel turing looking at tie rod ball joint if you see movement in the ball joint it needs changing.
    This is best done with resistance on wheel (wheel on ground)

    wishbone will need pry bar to push and pull wishbone to check rubber bushing at car frame. The ball joints can be tested by grabbing the wheel 6 to 12 o'clock position and check for movement / play there should be zero. Pry bar can also be used.

    You can also confirm tie rods by grabbing wheel 3 and 9 o'clock and checking for play

    Both are DIY if you have the tools but you will need a wheel alignment if you replace either wishbone or tie rod. Best to do both sides because if one side is faulty the other won't be far behind


  • #4
    dooroy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 576 ✭✭✭dooroy


    The rear wishbone bushing is usually the one to fail .
    You need to remove the wishbone from the car to replace it .
    Refitting the new one is easier if you have access to a press , tapping it into place can be a bit tricky .
    Clean off the housing with sandpaper and apply a little grease to the metal part of the bush.
    These bushes usually have an arrow or some other mark on them to align with a mark on the wishbone .
    If you put a wheel brace on one of the wheel nuts and attempt to tighten /loosen you will often detect play in this bushing as the wheel moves backwards or forwards quite a bit if worn .Compare sides .
    For tie rods and track rod ends , jack up the wheel , catch it at 3 o clock and 9 o clock positions and you can check - if there is play you will have to confirm if its track rod end or tie rod .
    Using this method will often show up play in the ball joint also .
    Track rod ends simple enough - having loosened locknut .
    Tie rods can be difficult without proper tool .
    Wheel alignment (tracking) needs to be checked after either is replaced .


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