Bad Tie Rod

Lately my steering feels loose and wanders when I’m on the Highway (after I got my tires rotated).
I got under my truck to check out my suspension and my drivers side tie rod has some play in it. I’m able to twist it like a throttle but no up and down play. Should I replace inner and outer tie rods, steering rack, and steering rack bushings? The boots seem to be leaking a little bit.

 

Boots look great for 24yrs

Jack up front with wheels on

Place hands at 9 and 3 o’clock shake back and forth
That will show tie rod play(could be both inr/otr ties
Since taco in air…….

Place hands at 12 and 6 o’clock shake
If play, that is upr lwr ball joints

 

Steering racks come with inner tie rods I believe. Better route IMO if your replacing inners

 

I had a 12 and 6 knock that actually turned out to be a roached wheel bearing

 

For your steering rack leaking, sure replace the rack. For your wandering issue. Check the front under loaded, meaning place a jack/stand under the lower control arm close to the wheel then do your 12 and 6 o'clock shake. If you let the front end hang you may not find any play since the joint will be in a bind.

For tie rods my preferred checking method is to have a helper in the truck and with the engine off and truck on the ground, have them rock the the steering wheel back and forth at twice the speed of singing happy birthday with enough force to take up the slack in both directions but not enough to steer the wheels then while they're doing that go under and look for loose components. It's helpful to put your hand around the parts connected so for example put your hand around the tie rod and knuckle.

once you get your front end inspected and remedy any loose components then get an alignment. Over time your suspension sags and usually you'll end up with alot of negative camber and negative toe. Both of which will make the vehicle wander.

 

dude
As soon as I pressed reply
I thought about WB!

agreed.

 

This is normal. That's not the cause of the drifting. You're looking for side to side slop.

Before sending it on a new steering rack, make sure that the one you have is actually bad. It could just be the bushings. The boots can trap water in them over time, so it might not necessarily be leaking. Keep in mind that the power steering system on these trucks use ATF, so the fluid will be red-ish in color. That should make it easier to determine what fluid you're looking at.

 

With the truck on the ground have someone turn the wheel slightly back and forth while you're under the truck and see if anything moves.