Tie Rods or Balance problem?

[NVMY03GT]

Got a pulsation in my front end around 70-75 MPH. Im thinking either my front wheels are out of balance or my Tie Rod Ends are about to say "Your screwed" .

 

Any insight? Also Are TieRods something a novice could do?

[mdelorie]

jack up the car and shake the wheels - there shouldn't be any play at all.

 

Sounds like it's probably a wheel balance problem, though.

[Crazy K]

yes. it took my 5 minuted to change a tie-rod on GP1138's car, but I did have a lift and knew what tools I would need.

 

tie rod test: get a friend to turn your steering wheel, jerk it left and right about 2 inches along the circumference pausing about 1 second between directions... ie left.. pause... right... pause...

 

feel and watch for motion between the outer and inner tierod ends, as well as both inner tierod from beneath the car.

 

 

but do jack up each side and jerk the wheel around too.