Diagnosing inner/outer tie rods, upper/lower control arms

macro · Post by **macro** » Mon Jun 30, 2014 6:46 pm

Well, here we are again. Yet something else has worn out likely as a result of the lift I installed last year.

New on the front within the last year are upper and lower ball joints, wheel bearings (inner and outer), sway bar links. Outer tie rods in 2012.

Newest problem (from today) loud squeak while driving and knocking and banging while turning that can be felt in the wheel. Steering at speed has been feeling a little vague but I assumed I just needed an alignment.

The last things to replace on the front would be control arm bushings or inner tie rods. My question is, how can I diagnose the difference between the inner or outer tie rods ? Also, how can I tell if it's the upper or lower CAB's? I'm getting sick of always having something to fix on this frickin thing. I just want to be able to drive it and not worry if something is going wrong! Damn modifications and putting on 120,000km in three years....

Post by **Big-Bird** » Mon Jun 30, 2014 7:11 pm

Rack and pinion - diagnosis tips

Rack and Pinion inner outer tie rod checks.

Control arm bushing inspection tips....note the pry bar method also works on the upper CABs if you can get a bar in there.

macro · Post by **macro** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 6:27 am

Thanks, if the thunderstorms hold off I'll have a look today.

I assume all of these checks should be done with both wheels off the ground?

Post by **Big-Bird** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 7:37 am

Your assumption is correct. Support your Delica by the frame, not the lower control arms, with a pair of good jack stands.

Allow the suspension to fully extend while keeping the tires off the ground, this will take the torsional load from the t-bars and allow you to check everything without fighting against them.

Check you ball joints again....A suspension lift does place different stresses on the socket joints and they can fail in short order. My lifted Xterra blew upper ball joints every 6 months, come to think of it I could have them changed in under an hour as I did it so often.

stugots1982 · Post by **stugots1982** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 2:09 pm

does anyone know what the pictures in this thread looked like or have them kicking around? Im having the came issues and was hoping to figure out what I need to replace. Cheers in advance

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