I have a 99 Ford Taurus with just aout 113,000 miles on it. I had just drove it from Michigan to Texas. Before I left Michigan, my car had a slight steering wheel like "movement" and my dad thought I had bad tires, but I didn't get new ones before making the trip...(dumb, I know...just short on money!) Anyway, now it's gotten MUCH worse and my steering wheel shakes a lot, and I know it is out of line (about 25 degree angle (left) is going "straight") I can also (I think) feel the tire wobbling as I come to a stop. I don't dare go 60 on the freeway down here with it. I did get it checked out for a "check engine" light and it wasn't the transmission (had been having problems with a jerk between 40-50) but it is something with the motor - and something about an oxygen sensor. Anyhow, the same transmission guy said that I should get my tie rod fixed, he said it's dangerous to drive (he took it for a little drive). Any suggestions??
2006-09-28 18:01:12 · 8 answers · asked by Kates 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It's VERY dangerous to drive. Tie rods are fairly cheap for a Taurus. Expect to pay about 20-30 bucks for tie rod, 60 for alignment. I suggested to a lady that she get her tie rods replaced, she took the car and brought it back a week later. As I was pulling the car into the garage, the tie rod came apart, the tire took a hard left and I couldn't drive any further. I had to jack the car up in the parking lot to replace the tie rod. Imagine that at about 60 MPH!!! Very Dangerous!!! You definitely want to get an alignment done AFTER you put tires on it, but don't wait too long for the tires as the old ones will wear out very quickly without a good alignment. If you shop around, Taurus tires can be found fairly cheap, depending on what you want for the car. ou could also look for used tires at local shops or even in your local newspaper. Just remember, you usually get what you pay for.
Happy Motoring.
2006-09-28 19:27:30 · answer #1 · answered by Powder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I'd get the O2 sensor replaced. Then I'd take it to a different mechanic for a second opinion on the tie rod. Just take it in for an alignment, they'll tell you if you need a tie rod, and they'll do it for you. It's not totally expensive if you go to a good shop. But if you are SURE it is a tie rod, I wouldn't drive it, as you could veer into oncoming traffic and get killed very quickly. So best to check it out, like, now...
If you get a tie rod replaced, they're going to also have to do a wheel alignment anyway, so just take it to a good wheel alignment place. Any tire store that is reputable. Don't go to Mydass, they suck big time bucks out of you. They replace they entire car for you before they become honest!
2006-09-28 21:36:54 · answer #2 · answered by MrZ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
VERY! Tie rods are ball and socket joints, that if they are worn enough the ball falls out of the socket and you can not steer. It really depends on how worn they are. tie rods can have some wear and not be dangerous but need replacement. Other times they can be so worn that all you need is one good pot hole and....crash. Make sure you have the whole steering and suspension system checked out. And then properly aligned after repairs. Some places will just do the "dangerous" parts and set the to and let you go.
2016-03-17 04:42:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
How dangerous is my tie rod problem?
I have a 99 Ford Taurus with just aout 113,000 miles on it. I had just drove it from Michigan to Texas. Before I left Michigan, my car had a slight steering wheel like "movement" and my dad thought I had bad tires, but I didn't get new ones before making the trip...(dumb, I...
2015-08-14 23:41:02 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How addicted are you to being able to steer your car?
This is a serious problem. Get it fixed pronto or you are likely to find yourself making love to a road sign somewhere.
Since your car is front-wheel drive this could be a little pricey, but if survival is your thing you need to get it done.
2006-09-28 18:09:14 · answer #5 · answered by Warren D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
tie rod problems could lead to a crash
2006-09-28 18:14:24 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ford Tuarus is notorious for having thes kind of problems. If you have made it to your destination I would suggest getting yourself a new car. To repair it would be more than the car is worth.
2006-09-28 18:05:10 · answer #7 · answered by plainofexistance 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do u have cruise control?if it works when ur check eng light is on do nothing.if not get it fixed......ur front end.gotta fix tie rod n have toe set.try a junkyard 4 new front tires.good luck.....specific qs,e mail me.
2006-09-28 18:06:23 · answer #8 · answered by liljimis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get it fixed NOW it is very dangerous
2006-09-28 18:08:52 · answer #9 · answered by meandragon 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋