Defective Tie Rod Ends

[PowerWagon896]

I just had the tie rod ends replaced on the "Mango Express" under warranty @ 30,000 miles. I had noticed that the steering wheel was a bit left of center but I though it was the worn out Michelin OEM tires. After I replaced the "Michelin Pilots" W/some BFG G-Force KDWSs there was no change so I investigated.

This seems to be a common problem. @ least W/the Chargers.

There have also been issues W/the steering racks although mine checked out OK.

I don't know if this is Charger or perhaps build year specific.

I think everybody ought to have their front suspension checked out, especially if they are nearing the end of the warranty.

Here is a link to a thread on Chargerforums concerning this problem. It seems to be quite common.

http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/...ad.php?t=51129

[formerice]

It's not just the Chargers. I have had 3 steering racks replaced on my RT Magnum for inner tie rod end wear. I believe that now they have replacement tie rod ends available instead of replacing the whole rack. Its funny, some guys have trouble with only the ones in the rack, others it's the outer tie rod ends. The last rack at 100,000 was on my nickel, $500. Chrysler should look at the tierods made by ZF Lemforter in Brewer ,Maine. They make them for Toyota and Lexus! Probably cheaper even.

[bradkaye]

My rack was replaced earlier this year, but it was because there was a leak in the power steering function of it and the steering was über-sluggish when it got cold.

Compared to the new one, I would have rather stayed with the old one, because the drop in power steering assist was actually welcome except when it's below 40º.

I've complained about imprecise steering for a while now with my car, but in the last week, my steering has gotten progressively sloppier from the neutral wheel, I'm back to counter-steering from drifting right, and my front tires have been wearing badly for a while. I'm feeling a little more wheel vibration at 70mph and it's a little nerve-racking in traffic at speed with cars flanking either side of me.

Are the inner tie-rods they're using now 'new and improved,' or are they simply triage bandaging these cars with extra bits and pieces that have been produced as short term fixes only?

[ZeGuru]

When I bought my 05 Magnum R/T, I noticed on the drive home at highway speeds there was wheel vibration at 70+mph. I took it to Firestone to have the tires mounted & balanced, and they told me the inner tie rods were loose and the whole assembly needed to be replaced. The dealership ate the cost (which they told me was $1000). Can I expect this repair every 30,000 miles?

[fnkychkn]

Can I expect this repair every 30,000 miles?

inner tie rod kits are now available from mopar.