Tie Rod Question

[Hurricane87]

When getting an alignment today. I was told my driver's side tie rod was frozen, and so I need to replace all four tie rods.

Is it possible to replace just the ends, or so I actually have to do all four rods?

 

[mguzzo]

generally it means just replacing the ends because the ball joint at the end siezes up. it's not hard to do in the driveway. You need to loosen the jam nut, count the number of turns to take the old one off, screw the new one on the same number of turns, and tighten the jam nut. Then get an alignment.

 

[tomsteve]

if one is frozen i dont know why theyd say all 4 have to be replaced. however, i prefer to change both outers at the same time.

 

[Hurricane87]

I imagine it's a combination of "change both sides at the same time" and "make more money."

 

[Hurricane87]

Are the tie rod ends the same on all 04-08 Grand Prixs, or does the GXP have special ones?

 

[GXP02]

Are the tie rod ends the same on all 04-08 Grand Prixs, or does the GXP have special ones?

They're the same as a regular GP. TIP: instead of counting threads, loosen the jamb nut and then snug it back up to the tie rod just enough so that you can still remove the tie rod end. I did this on mine and didn't need an alignment afterwards.

 

[GXP02]

I used ac delco ends.