Tie Rods
 

a few days ago in shop class i put my car up on the hoist to check a few things. I went up to my tires, and heres what i found. I put one had on each side of each tire, and could move them back and fourth a fair ammount on both tires on the left side, the rear one being the worst. My shop teacher had a good look, and told me all 4 tie rod ends were finished..okay i can live with that. So looks liks soon i will be changing these. Im going to go with MOOG suspension parts, as they are only 63.75 a piece as compared to the dealerships 135.50 a piece. I could go with the el cheapo 35 dollar ones, but that would be a waste of my money and time install that crap!
When i phoned the parts store, they asked if i needed inner or outter tie rods...All we checked were the ones right near the wheel on the rod its self..

Moog are pretty much the best front end aftermarket parts for the car and alot less expensive than the dealership. I totally agree about the cheap crap. It doesn't pay at all. Trying to tell if the inners and the outers are both gone is difficult even for a pro. To check the outers you will have the grab the tie rod near the end itself (the joint by the tire). Wiggle it hard up and down. This will show the play in the outer. For the inner you will need an assistant. Have him get in the vehicle and while you are holding the tie rod, have him wiggle the steering wheel back and forth but only enough to get the play (ie not actually turn the tires (wheels). The will be a side to side play. This can easily be misdiagnosed if the outers are gone as well.

My recommendation is that you buy inners and outers for both sides and when you get the outers out you can easily check the inners. Whatever you don't need take back. I have had to change mine a few times now so it is common. You will need an inner tie rod tool (which is a long socket) and an alignment after.

Have fun.