Just got done replacing the front wheel bearings and I am still having play when I grab the drivers side front wheel at 9 and 3 I know that the outer tie rod ends can be bought separately and the inners must be replaced as an entire assembly but as I turned the wheel I felt considerable play and clicking at the outer tie rod end and none at the inner. However I just had a shop check and said the inner was bad and quoted me 50 dollars to replace is which sounds like a load of bs because we all know the assembly is much higher than that. I am hoping that it is the outer and that the inners do not go as often. Does anyone have any insight as far as anything else I can check to be absolutely sure it is the outer and not the inner? Thanks so much guys.

 

The inner tie rods must be changed as a complete assembly. (Drag link) search rockauto.com. It's about a 2hr. project. If you don't have a removal tool, you can "borrow" them at most parts stores. I don't think your mechanic knows about , replacing the whole assembly, an my think he can just do one side.

 

Jack the front of the car up (you may want to remove the wheels, maybe not), have a helper turn the steering wheel (back and forth using only about 20-30 degrees of rotation) and use your hands (you may want a glove on) grab around one tie-rod end, then, the other, you should feel the slop in 1 that is not in the other. You can also compare outer ends and inner ends left-side to right-side.