The bolt/stud coming out of the passenger side tie rod turns freely. The other one doesn't. Would that mean it's gone bad? turning like that? Probably should replace both sides at the same time? They're not very exspensive from rockauto.com. Thanks in advance for any advice.

If you mean the tapered pin that connects to the steering knuckle, then yes it should not turn. If it is turning soemthing is worn out. You should remove it and inspect the bore in the knuckle and the pin on the tie rod end. Replace any worn out parts.

I'm sure we're talking about the same thing, the tapered pin has threads on top with a hole for a cotter pin. I had to wedge the fork tool in between to get the nut loose. I will replace both sides now because I have the whole rack and pinion mechanisim off the car for urethane bushing swap out. Thank You BeerManPete. I have a question for a BeerMan and hope I don't get in trouble asking on this forum. I usally drink canned beer in the summer and switch to bottles in the colder months. Well for some reason the bottled beer has started to give me a horrible headache so I've gone back to cans and no longer get the headache (unless I drink too many). Have you ever had this problem? Maybe if I poured it in a mug? Bottled taste so much better to me. It's the King of Beers Lite that I drink. Thanks for your experience.

Edited February 6, 201213 yr by siteunseen

So are you talking about the inner tie-rod end then? All the parts should be tight and not rotate freely, beyond the few degrees of movement allowed by the outer rod-end. It sounds like the lock nut is loose and allowing the toe adjuster to move freely.

As for beer and headaches, I don't know of any reason why canned beer would cause a headache when the same brand from a bottle does not. The only difference should be the package. Perhaps the canned version is heat pasteurized and the bottles are not.