C4: Tie rod ending replacement - Is it DIY?

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c4tobe
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C4: Tie rod ending replacement - Is it DIY?

Post by c4tobe »

Hey guys,

My C4 has this tendency to drive to right side of the road if I take my hands off the steering wheel! So I took it for steering alignment. The guy used the computerized system (mounting an apparatus on each wheel, connected via cable to the computer system) to align it. While aligning, the guy told that my tie rod endings are different from each other.
I came out of the mechanic shop, but still the problem exist; the car has tendency to drive to right!

Also, at some speeds, I feel the driving wheel shake!

1. Should I change the tie rod endings, the problem will be solved and the steering will be aligned?
2. Is it a DIY? Can I order the tie rods online and change it myself?
3. Do I need to change both tie rod endings?
4. Anything else you would recommend me to check? Any other parts you recommend me to change while doing this repair?

Thanks.
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Re: C4: Tie rod ending replacement - Is it DIY?

Post by Lighty »

I have one of these for tie rod removal, it is about the only thing that will get them undone, I would suggest swapping your tyres/ wheels around first , and see what happens, worn tie rod will not make the car pull , unless it's really worn excessively , 4th one down .
http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/steering-rack-tool" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Post by addo »

You don't use one of the slip-over type tools as also shown in your link?
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Post by Lighty »

addo wrote:You don't use one of the slip-over type tools as also shown in your link?
Never tried that one,only the double loop jobbie.
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Re: C4: Tie rod ending replacement - Is it DIY?

Post by Peter.N. »

I would agree with Lighty, the problem is most likely to be with the tyres, even if the toe in alignment is out it still won't make it pull to one side, just wear the tyres out and make it skittish if its far out. If it still does it with the tyres swapped you are looking at either worn suspension bushes or damage to the suspension.

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Re: C4: Tie rod ending replacement - Is it DIY?

Post by c4tobe »

Lighty wrote:I have one of these for tie rod removal, it is about the only thing that will get them undone, I would suggest swapping your tyres/ wheels around first , and see what happens, worn tie rod will not make the car pull , unless it's really worn excessively , 4th one down .
http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/steering-rack-tool" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Thanks for reply.
My tyres have directional patterns and I cannot swap them left-right. I have tried to swap front tyres with the back tyres.
Result: still pulling to the right.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this tool for changing the inner tie rods? I had assumed I only need to change the outer tie rods (Tie track rod ends).
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