does this look bad?

[Diseazd]

Only looks bad if you like steering with one front wheel attachedLOL........replace the tie end ASAP. Don't screw around with something as important as tie rod ends! IMO

[siteunseen]

I had a lot easier situation which was, and still is, no motor and in no hurry. It was pretty easy though and the fsm tells exactly how just remember that they're diffrent for each side and to count the rotation turns coming off then put them back the same number and you'll still be alligned. You could borrow a fork from a parts chain or buy one for around $15. Make sure there's no pressure up or down when you use the fork and it won't take too much of a hit to pop the ends off.

[Unkle]

You never know the levels of experience of anyone unless it's been discussed, right?

Exactly , "Captain Obvious" .

[theczechone]

^great info, I would like to add that using the fork is a pain no matter what advice i have used before. I have heard really good things about this:

also if you needed to salvage your joints this is the way to do it, the fork will destroy the boot.

If I was you and drove the car daily I would definitely replace the tie rods and the ball joints. For one it could be bad, I had a ball joint snap on my prelude, fortunately I was in a parking lot going slow when it happened so the damage was minimal ( just a new ball joint fender and paint...), it could have been a lot worse had it happened on the freeway. Also by replacing the joints you will feel an incredible improvement in suspension handling and steering wheel play.

Good luck

[grantf]

Thanks everyone. It's funny I get no hits for tie rod in the search. It looks like they don't cost much. Most likely I will go with the moogs from rock auto. It looks like they come with a castle nut. And yes it has been raining a lot the last few days (I was working on my car in the rain).

Will I need a front end alignment after replacement? my car tracks fine right now.

[olzed]

I am sure you know that the parts in question are for steering which happens to be located at the front part of the car. Brake cylinders are located at the rear of the car. I have new brake calipers and they do not leak.

WTF. Bit of an over reaction with the sarcastic reply .Front brake calipers actually have a hydraulic "cylinder" as do the rear brakes.. Call them what you will.

The tie rod end is obviously covered in oil of some sort, as is the wheel lying under the car, and with that much crud stuck all over the tie rod, there is oil coming from somewhere, and I was enquiring where it was coming from is all.

You came across as a bit of a newby with questions like you asked. Everyone, including me is trying to help you out here.

Edited April 1, 2012 by olzed

[siteunseen]

I read somewhere to use a adjustable shower curtain rod from inside of the tires across to the other beforehand then after install recheck with the curtain rod, now that's Shade Tree but if it works?

[olzed]

Another quick and simple method of checking toe is a bit of strong string stretched around all four wheels. Shows toe at a glance. Front and rear. Also a bit 'backyard' though.

It will only really work if all four tyres are the same size. Shows if all wheels are in line.

Edited April 1, 2012 by olzed

[grantf]

WTF. Bit of an over reaction with the sarcastic reply .Front brake calipers actually have a hydraulic "cylinder" as do the rear brakes.. Call them what you will.

The tie rod end is obviously covered in oil of some sort, as is the wheel lying under the car, and with that much crud stuck all over the tie rod, there is oil coming from somewhere, and I was enquiring where it was coming from is all.

You came across as a bit of a newby with questions like you asked. Everyone, including me is trying to help you out here.

Sorry, I was trying to be a little sarcastic also, I tend to do that at times. Again there is no oil leak, What you are seeing is water. It was really coming down while I was working on the car. I tend to place the tire after removal under the car as an added safety, just a habit I have especially with the car jacked up on a muddy drive way. I did as you may have read on my other thread regarding rear brakes have a leaking cylinder (now replaced).

I am pretty experianced working on cars but of course I don't know everything and I guess when it comes to suspention I would have to say that I am a newby.

All tires are the same size so I could check it by measuring but then again there is a firestone about 200ft down the road from me that can align the car for about $90.00

Parts are on order, time to read up in the FSM a little.

Edited April 1, 2012 by grantf

[Powderkeg]

Grant,

I would recommend the DVD "Street Suspensions" from Z Therapy. Also search for "Blue" and follow his suspension articles.

From the looks of your sway bar I would also replace the end-link bushings and as many of the suspension bushings as possible.

Good luck.

Dave Ruiz

Edited April 2, 2012 by Powderkeg

[Captain Obvious]

Will I need a front end alignment after replacement?

Yes, you should have a front end alignment done after replacement.

With that in mind (since you're going to be paying for an alignment anyway) you should take a good look at the rest of the suspension components up front and take this opportunity to replace any others that look suspect. As others have mentioned, with the looks of that one joint, it wouldn't be surprising for others to be in similar shape.

[grantf]

Yes, you should have a front end alignment done after replacement.

With that in mind (since you're going to be paying for an alignment anyway) you should take a good look at the rest of the suspension components up front and take this opportunity to replace any others that look suspect. As others have mentioned, with the looks of that one joint, it wouldn't be surprising for others to be in similar shape.

Good advice. As you may have noticed I found out about the tie rods by looking things over while working on the brakes. Most of the front bushings look "ok" meaning they look a little old with little cracks, they will be delt with later. the rest of the steering rack visually looks good, the boots are not torn.

I prefer do do most of the work myself for fun, learning and to save money, but I of course I do not have the proper equipment to do an alignment.

Frankly I just don't trust most shops to work on my car, I feel they dont really understand more than RR meaning remove and replace, even more so with the older datsuns. So in a nutshell I know there is more work to do.

Edit: tie rods and ball joints are ordered, both sides (moog brand from rock auto).

Edited April 2, 2012 by grantf