nitrous1 Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Last year I replaced just about everything on the front suspension of my STS. The only things I didn't replace (that I know of) were the inner tie rod ends and the strut mounts. I'm ready to order the strut mounts, but I'm wondering how difficult it would be to change the inner TRE's while I'm at it. My car has had a clunking noise ever since I bought it, somewhere toward the passenge side front. I have replaced the struts, strut rod bushings, sway bar bushings, sway bar links, etc... I am really getting annoyed with this car, and if I can't fix the clunk soon - this thing is liable to end up at the bottom of a lake somewhere I'm just looking for any kind of tips or tricks that someone might have to change out the inner tie rod ends. Thanks, Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddyman Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 I have to fo the outer and inner tie rods, I have both, the factory service manual states that you must remove the entire rack assembly, to access the inner tie rods. I am contemplating just replaceing the whole unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stlthbmr Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Take a look at the motor mounts. If the've never been replaced, the rubber bushings have dry rotted and are missing chunks or fallen out altogether. this will cause a clunking noise upon acceleration or decelleration. You can buy one at Napa for $30.00. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitrous1 Posted October 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 I'm going to do a little front brake work to it this week, so I'm going to scope out both the steering rack and the motor mounts. Thanks for the tips! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitrous1 Posted October 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 I replaced the passenger strut mount and half-shaft last night, along with the front brakes. On my test drive last night, it seemed like the rattle was gone, but I drove the car to work this morning and the rattle is still there. I'm beginning to think that maybe the new strut is bad. I need to do a little more investigating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeb Posted October 7, 2005 Report Share Posted October 7, 2005 I replaced the inner tie rods on another GM FWD car and I used the deep socket wrench that most car stores will rent. fairly easy job. except my TRE socket was cracked and when I tried to turn it, it opened up and spun. the TRE was on so tight I had to get another socket. the store said I broke it but I calmed them down. If you take off your outer TRE from the steering knuckle you will be able to tell if the inner is worn. the inner TRE should be tight enough that if you lift up the tie rod, it will not drop down. if it cannot hold itself, it is worn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitrous1 Posted October 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2005 If you take off your outer TRE from the steering knuckle you will be able to tell if the inner is worn. the inner TRE should be tight enough that if you lift up the tie rod, it will not drop down. if it cannot hold itself, it is worn. Thanks for the tip - I will check mine out this weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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