Tie Rod?

[sportsgirl0017]

Replaced the hub bearings in my 03 1500 silverado, and noticed that my driver side tie rod moved almost freely while my passenger side did not ( front on both )

 

I've been trying to correct a front end annoying sqeak and thought perhaps it was the bearings. Took both bearings of the front, however only the driver side was a bit "bad". So what is it with this tie rod? I swear it moved almost easily.

[Matt_]

if there's "play" in the tie rod... then its bad and needs to be replaced.

[jblakeney]

Tie rods cause squeaking noises when they are QUITE dry and ready to fail. If you have somebody turn the wheel gently while you watch the tie rods. If you turn the steering wheel both tires should react exactly the same. If you see the joint move then the tire move... It is indeed time to replace the JOINT.

 

Or replace when in doubt.

 

Jbo

 

Edit: when gently turning I am saying from dead center turn left then turn right. Small movements.... not lock to lock. After you start left if you continue on it will catch up and you will see no additional movement until you turn the other way.

 

Or use a stethoscope to listen for the noise in the steering pieces while the engine is off making similar movements.