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Tie Rod End Clunking, Shot Out Grease
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Supernaut
User
May 5, 2015, 2:31 PM
Post #1 of 4
(2097 views)
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Tie Rod End Clunking, Shot Out Grease
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I have a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire with 389,000km on it (242,000mi). Last night when I was driving I noticed an occasional clunk noise coming from the front, more commonly when I way steering. This was not entirely unusual as there has always been an occasional clunk that way even when it was brand new 11 years ago, particularly if it is wet or raining out. This time the clunk was more frequent than usual and the environment was dry as a bone. I got out and started looking around with the flash light at the front suspension components. What I found was the left tie rod end had shot all its grease out the grease nipple. I thought it maybe looked like it was not quite at the right angle either but that could be my imagination. I don't see anything else unusual looking under the car.
My questions then being. Should I assume that failure is pretty much imminent for the tie rod end and change it out right way? Does changing one require any special tools? Any advice on how to not screw up the alignment in the process? Maybe there is a useful video that should be helpful.
I am pretty competent with changing out parts, I just like to cover the bases because knowing my luck I will miss some critical little detail, which can be a problem because I like 30km away from the nearest auto parts store with no second vehicle here.
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Cybrid/media/IMG_0562_zpsf4aqlydj.jpg.html]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Cybrid/media/IMG_0563_zpst8ov7gya.jpg.html]
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 5, 2015, 2:51 PM
Post #2 of 4
(2088 views)
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Re: Tie Rod End Clunking, Shot Out Grease
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Check the TRE for its condition or any play it's no good. It might be good and just the grease fitting blew out the little check ball they have? Easy to put a new one in. No special tools, just box wrenches should do. OE or that one might be a different hex that's all. Threads are the same - not way too tight!
T
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on May 5, 2015, 2:53 PM)
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Supernaut
User
May 5, 2015, 3:56 PM
Post #3 of 4
(2081 views)
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Re: Tie Rod End Clunking, Shot Out Grease
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Good advice. I went out and checked out the rod more carefully. It seems solid, if I firmly grab on to it and try to shake it, it doesn't move at all. I'll just pick up a new grease nipple at Princess Auto (Think of it as Canada's Harbour Freight, though no relation), for $0.99.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 5, 2015, 8:52 PM
Post #4 of 4
(2072 views)
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Re: Tie Rod End Clunking, Shot Out Grease
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You shouldn't have to look too far. These are used on all sorts of things not just cars. Hardware store should have them. That's just simple straight on one. Other places you can change to longer, angled and so forth for access.
BTW - sold by boxes of 100s or assortments but should be able to get just one.
The other failure is you can't get grease in and might not if over tightened. Toss those too if found too - routine,
T
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