tension rods 97Q45

[q45huntsville]

What kind of problems would you notice when your tension rod are worn? I have 170,000 miles on my Q

[loystock]

In my case, steering wheel vibration and alignment issues.

[q45huntsville]

Thanks,

I notice i get a slight vibration between 55 to 65 mph. Did you get that?

[Q45tech]

Between 55>65 mph the tire and rotor imbalance frequency and the body resonace frequency combine to be the most feelable range.

Since the brake pads slightly drags against rotors the vibration is always coupled.

The frequency of the vibration vs exact speed [mph] is what tells you exactly the rotating source in need of correction:
TIRES, wheel [without tires] rotor truing, bearings, etc.

The vibrations are always there, just that rubber wear u=in suspension isolators allows more and more to be felt.

On early Q I always replaced tension rods at 4 year or 60k intervals to minimize vibration transmission...........probably a great but expensive habit to continue thru today.

[BadQ45t]

The steering was really sloppy on mine at around 75k and replaced them and it made a huge difference. The issue with the tension rods is that they very slowly deteriorate to the point where you just accept the way the car steers, the same thing with shocks/struts, it regresses so slowly you don't notice it.

Trust me at 170k if those are original there is no way in heck they are still good.

[NYCQDude]

Sounds like what I was experiencing before I replaced my tension rods less than a year ago (before my Q hit 90k). Could also be unevenly worn tires too, but I doubt it. Put the car on a lift and see what kind of play you have in your front end. If you are replacing the rods, replace the bushings too. If you are going to spend money, don't stop short of doing it right! The longer you let the shimmie go on, the more you risk wear on other parts because of the shake...

I agree with BadQ45t. At 170k miles they should have been replaced LONG ago!

[q45huntsville]

Guys, do anyone have pictures of what bushings are needed to be replaced when i replace the tension rods. Might needs some instructions with that also. Thanks for all the replies