i just failed inspection due to my driver and passenger outter tie rods, i know nothing about cars and was wondering if i could do it myself or should i bring it to a shop? Also, how much money am i looking at spending?

thanks!

 

Depends on if they are siezed or not. If not, then they are cake. If so, then you might have to take it to a shop where they can blast it with the stuff that is hotter than propane burns... forget what its called. But if that happens, it's likely that your bellows/inner tie rod boots will melt in the process and you'll need new one's. They are like $10 and you can get the TRE here.

DIY

 

if i bring it to a shop they will probably charge me the 80 bucks for each right?

 

Talkin about MAPP gas?

 

You mean including the parts and labor? At least. Mine were siezed and I happened to know a guy that did work off the books at monroe. He did both of mine (not including cost of parts) for $60. It's really not a big job at all. If yours arent siezed you'll save quite a bit if you DIY.

 

Or Acetylene... You can put them on but make sure you get it aligned when your done or you will eat up your tires. You can get it close by putting them where the old one was but its best to have it aligned.

 

I'm not sure.

 

Yeah that! As long as it's already in alignment, if you count the threads on the old and mark it on the new, then you wont need an alignment. It'll make 0 difference. The tie rods are the only spot for alignment on our cars so it would sort of be a waste of money.

 

I'm gonna have to disagree with you here. There will be a difference and it will be material compared to a Hunter machine. I would expect the steering wheel to change it's center. I'd suggest an alignment after replacement of any tie rod or general suspension component (other than something like a roll bar) for a daily driver with decent tires.

The tie rods are moderately easy to replace, and although it can be a pain to break them free of the spindle, an air gun on a special ball joint tool or air hammer will make it easy out without resorting to an oxy-acetylene torch... but then you won't get to play with fire.

 

I got quoted 300 for labor and outers, but by the time they got finished it ended up being 700 for in, out, bellows, and alignment. I never would spent that, but once they were in there, I had to go all the way. Ouch. 2000 a4 with 130,000 miles, so I won't be doing it again.