Is it recommended??

[Da Dark Jedi]

My 97 Q45 with 75k miles on her need new Tie-rod ends, both sides. So do I need to replace the inner ones also. I live in the "Rust belt" midwest area (Chicago). The car is not a garage queen so she seen lots of season change, the mechanic said I should change them. What do you guys think?

[lino]

I would say an ispection would determine that. If your mechanic says they need replacing then they probably do. I've found that when one of them goes, they rest follow suit. If they look tired and you are able to replace them, then go for it. I've replaced all of mine.

[Da Dark Jedi]

So that I'm clear on replacing the inner tie-rod, it screws out to detach and in to install, correct? Also, is any special tools needed? I want to do it right the first time!

[qship96]

Considering the car will require a 4 wheel alignment right after the tie rods are replaced......why not just have the shop performing the alignment replace the tie rods also.....it is not much in additional labor and then you get a guarantee on the whole job and dont have to fiddle with it.

[Da Dark Jedi]

Considering the car will require a 4 wheel alignment right after the tie rods are replaced......why not just have the shop performing the alignment replace the tie rods also.....it is not much in additional labor and then you get a guarantee on the whole job and dont have to fiddle with it.

I have to double check for labor cost. The last time I was quoted 3 hours total @ $90.00 an hour (both sides) by my Indy. This is a union city so they use the book time labor rate, how many hours to do a job. My Infiniti shop (not a Indy) want $125.00 per hour. Still $270.00 is still a saving for a saturday morning job. The "guarantee" you mention is only if they supply the parts. If it says Infiniti or Moog doesn't matter, I didn't buy it from them (mechanic) so it won't have it.

So no speacial tools or anything other than basic hand tools (Pipe wrench or vice-grips).

[qship96]

Wow, seems like a 1 hour job to me!!!!

[lino]

I'm not sure, but maybe you might find some answers here:

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/1998_Q4 ... Q45/st.pdf
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/1998_Q4 ... Q45/fa.pdf

[NightRiderQ45]

If they are telling you it will take 2hrs total to replace those, they are trying to get over on you. I have both of my outter rods done earlier this year when I rehab my suspension. My inner rods were still good at my high mileage. I just purchased the rubber boot to put on both of the inner rods and went from there.

[tfvesquire]

Hi Jedi:

I am also near Chicago (western burbs) and could install these for your for $75.00. Like the other posters, I agree you should go ahead and replace the inner and outer tie rods along with the steering rack boots. I have an extra pair of steering rack boots I will sell you for only $16.00. Becareful of purchasing aftermarket on these parts, I tried to buy some and when they arrived, the outer tie rods were not the same length and the inners did not have enough threads for the tech to align everything. Ended up getting a total refund and buying Moog parts.

Let me know if I can help you out and if there is anything else you need done. Shoot me an email [email protected].

Ted

[elwesso]

Most times inner tie rods dont go bad, at least as often as the outer tie rods do... However, while your in there if you replace them you know youll be good for about another 100k miles at least...

My inner and outer tie rods are original on my Q as far as I know... 160k miles.

[Da Dark Jedi]

First of all THANKS GUYS for the advice and the links. The outer Tie-rods are from Infiniti and the Inner Tie-rods are from Moog. Some of you may come thru Chicago so you know we have big pot-holes and uneven streets. The front suspension has taken a beating in the 74K miles. I'm buying parts now basically Moog suspension parts. Tsvesquire thanks, I'll be Emailing you soon for the install.

[tfvesquire]

First of all THANKS GUYS for the advice and the links. The outer Tie-rods are from Infiniti and the Inner Tie-rods are from Moog. Some of you may come thru Chicago so you know we have big pot-holes and uneven streets. The front suspension has taken a beating in the 74K miles. I'm buying parts now basically Moog suspension parts. Tsvesquire thanks, I'll be Emailing you soon for the install.

*****************************************
Just one more suggestion, if you have not replaced the front sway bar end links and are getting some clunking up front I suggest you change those as well. I bought a set of OEM replacement pieces locally for $100.00 a pair. I tried a set of aftermarket end links for $50.00 shipped and they failed after only 3K miles. Total waste of money. I can install the end links for you for only $25.00 a pair labor. If you end up needing new front strut and strut mounts, I can help you locate decent replacement parts and I have the tools to install these as well. We can talk more when you get a moment.

Thanks,

Ted