Ball joints or tie rod ends?

[rickjames8]

So when I took my car for inspection, the drivers front wheel had play on all axis, top-to-bottom, and side-to-side. Wheel bearing was the suspected culprit. I got that changed yesterday, took the car for re-inspection and the top-bottom play is gone, but there is still side-to-side play. As in, when the car is jacked up, you grab the tire at 3 and 9, push and pull in and out, and there is a little play. The mechanic said "tie rod ends", which makes sense to me. However, I know the lower ball joints are prone to failure. Would they exhibit the same symptom? If so, I'd get the UK ones.

If not, and I do need tie rod end(s), are there any that are better than others?

Thanks,
-Rick

[Chris 16409]

Also check for play in the steering rack. That could add to the sloppiness.

[David T]

Also check for play in the steering rack. That could add to the sloppiness.

Side-to-side looseness is caused by the tie rod ends and possibly wear in the steering rack. Easy to see. Rock the wheel side-to-side and watch the tie rod end. There should be no lost motion (play). If there is no play in the tie rod end then the rack is loose. Can be both. Good practice is to replace both tie rod ends if one is bad. If the rack is loose it can be rebuilt. Most of the D vendors have an exchange program where you order a rebuilt and return your old one as a core. It is possible to rebuild it yourself if you want (if it needs to be rebuilt). Before deciding the rack is worn check the universal joints on the input shaft and the steering column bushing. The ball joints are checked by feeling for up-and-down play, missing or torn dust boot, metal shavings coming out, etc. Greasing that joint prevents it from wearing out. Easy enough to add a grease fitting by drilling a hole.

[Christian Dietrich]

Yeah sounds like the inner or outer tie rods? Have someone underneith and place there hand on either the inner or outer to feel where the play is coming front. Easy to check.

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[dn010]

Deleted, put wrong info.

[DMCMW Dave]

I've seen very few tie rod ends, inner or outer, ever wear out.

When you get play like that you'll usually find that the rack slider bearing on the right side has failed. Internal rack part.

You will see this as an up-and-down motion at the inner end of the right side tie rod as you rock the wheel as you describe.

[opethmike]

I've seen very few tie rod ends, inner or outer, ever wear out.

When you get play like that you'll usually find that the rack slider bearing on the right side has failed. Internal rack part.

You will see this as an up-and-down motion at the inner end of the right side tie rod as you rock the wheel as you describe.

This exact issue caused my car to fail state inspection last year.

[rickjames8]

I've seen very few tie rod ends, inner or outer, ever wear out.

When you get play like that you'll usually find that the rack slider bearing on the right side has failed. Internal rack part.

You will see this as an up-and-down motion at the inner end of the right side tie rod as you rock the wheel as you describe.

Thanks Dave! I was wondering that after watching this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tLqnjcxy2w). It's clear that the play in this person's car is not coming from the tie rod end, but rather on the rack. I didn't do the same test to look at mine before ordering the tie rod end, and now I fear that I may have ordered the wrong part. My weekdays are pretty much a no-time-for-cars zone, so I'll check it out this weekend. Good to see that new steering racks are not that expensive and seem easy enough to install.

-Rick

[rickjames8]

I've seen very few tie rod ends, inner or outer, ever wear out.

When you get play like that you'll usually find that the rack slider bearing on the right side has failed. Internal rack part.

You will see this as an up-and-down motion at the inner end of the right side tie rod as you rock the wheel as you describe.

If you don't mind me asking, as a new owner, I'm not quite clear on the difference between DMCH and DMCMW. Same company, different locations?

[DMCMW Dave]

If you don't mind me asking, as a new owner, I'm not quite clear on the difference between DMCH and DMCMW. Same company, different locations?

DMCH is DeLorean Motor Company in Houston (Humble) Texas. Main warehouse etc.

DMC Midwest is an authorized dealer for DMC Houston but is independently owned by Mike and Suzy McElhattan.

There are variations in ownership among the other DMCH affiliates.

Pricing is the same across the shops. There are differences in specialties such as custom work, aftermarket parts, etc. There are also variables in shipping costs and sales tax depending on where you live.

[Mark D]

Just in case, here's a photo of the bushing on the RH side that typically wears out. Replacements are available from PJ Grady, or complete new steering racks are available from DMCH and related affiliates.


Original (Still in good condition) made of grey nylatron
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=14693&d=1352218148

Replacement bushing (slightly longer than stock for greater support) made of white nylon
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29860&d=1407416483

[rickjames8]

Just in case, here's a photo of the bushing on the RH side that typically wears out.

Once again, you take the perfect photo to describe something well! Thanks!

I saw that DMCH sells the whole rack for $200. To me that's an amazingly reasonable price for something that could make the car drive much better. If my rack is bad, I had thought about simply replacing it. If it was $300+, that would probably be my cut off for trying to fix the old one.

[Christian Dietrich]

And from where you live Rick, order it from DMC-MW. I get all my parts from there, everyone there is awsome to work with and only takes 2 days to ship, unless something has to be dropped shipped from Houston.

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[rickjames8]

And from where you live Rick, order it from DMC-MW.

So, it turns out it was my rack. I called the folks at DMC-MW today and got it ordered. Thanks for the tip!

[Christian Dietrich]

So, it turns out it was my rack. I called the folks at DMC-MW today and got it ordered. Thanks for the tip!
Sure no problem Rick and glad to help out![emoji3]

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