I have a '99 Ford Mustang and I went for a wheel alignment and they told me today that I needed to replace my driver side tie rod. I just wanna know is it dangerous to ride on this for a few days until I have time to get it fixed? Thanks.
2006-09-02 08:14:35 · 7 answers · asked by darryl887 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Not unless it's so far gone it is in danger of breaking, which is rather rare. You might want to double-check for yourself - take a look under the car. You'll see a rod about 1" in diameter running from a sort of lever behind the disc brake to the steering rack. It'll have round fittings at the end. If you can make the rod wiggle with the car on the ground, it's bad.
2006-09-02 08:23:08 · answer #1 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just to drive for a few days? Nah, it will be fine. As the joint gets worse, you will start noticing more shake in the steering wheel and then play in the steering as you take up the slack in the joint every time you steer. These joints are tough though and not really under that much stress from just steering. Unless, you plan on taking this thing off road or something like that!
Be sure you have a real problem before you get work done... a not so honest shop can make all kinds of claims to get you to buy unnecessary work. Have them show you the bad joint. It should show up with play in it... not just easy to move but real play... like looseness.
Good luck!
2006-09-02 08:34:23 · answer #2 · answered by Les 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's a 1999, they're probably talking about a little wear on it---though I think a second opinion would be good.
If it is truly worn you need to baby the car, avoid speed bumps, etc. and avoid any unnecessary driving.
If it breaks on you, you will lose control of steering and severely mangle the car, somebody else, and your body. Of all the functions on a car, steering is generally considered the very last function you want to lose, because, unlike brakes, there is no back-up system.
It's a serious matter. Be careful and good luck.
2006-09-02 08:28:53 · answer #3 · answered by Boomer Wisdom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should be able to ride for awhile. you'll feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel when it starts to get to bad. the worse the vibration the worse the tie rod is getting .and itll start wearing your tire out on the inside. the tire will have SPOTS of wear on the tread. long as you dont have to a real noticable steering problem you should be ok. i had the same problem on my 98 civic. after they told me i had a tire rod problem i road it like that for about almost 2 years before i changed it out myself. but i wouldnt advice waiting that long. but there shouldnt be a rush
2006-09-02 08:35:22 · answer #4 · answered by will 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While the odds may be against it breaking,it is a possibility and would cause a loss of steering control.
2006-09-02 08:27:15 · answer #5 · answered by baalberith11704 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless it suffered an accident or serious off-roading it should be good. Get a second opinoin, especially if its Tire Kingdom telling you this. good luck.
2006-09-02 09:03:54 · answer #6 · answered by herndog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have driven like that before but im not going to say it is ok. of course a mechanic or parent would make you park it. if you do drive it dont forget about its problem. good luck
2006-09-05 10:28:37 · answer #7 · answered by Billy T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋