Mechanic said he can't do an alignment without replacing my tie rod. True or false.

[psteng19]

I just changed my suspension, again (struts and springs) and naturally went to get an alignment to correct the toe and camber.
The guy at the alignment shop said he can't do it unless I replace the tie rod otherwise it will go out of wack again.
I had no choice so I said yes.

Was he lying just to get me to spend more money?
I replaced my left axle 2 years ago (CV boot tore). Does that replace the tie rod also, or that's a totally different part?

'95 Sentra

 

[Evadman]

If one of your tie rods was fubared, it has to be fixed or an alignment will not do jack.

<edit>
stupid gramatical errors.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Maybe you had some badly worn ball joints. Did you ask him why?

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: psteng19
I just changed my suspension, again (struts and springs) and naturally went to get an alignment to correct the toe and camber.
The guy at the alignment shop said he can't do it unless I replace the tie rod otherwise it will go out of wack again.
I had no choice so I said yes.

Was he lying just to get me to spend more money?
I replaced my left axle 2 years ago (CV boot tore). Does that replace the tie rod also, or that's a totally different part?

'95 Sentra

Different part.

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Maybe you had some badly worn ball joints. Did you ask him why?

It said it was loose, and shimmied.
Cost $85 parts + labor.

 

[WhiteKnight77]

You could have an alignment done with worn out ball-joints and tie rod ends, but the minute you roll the car from where it was done and turned the steering wheel, the alignment will be for naught. Tie rod ends and ball-joints are like hip and shoulder joints on you, a ball and socket setup. When there is to much wear (from lack of being lubed, and there are sealed, life-time ball joints that can't be lubed) you have to replace them.

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: psteng19
I replaced my left axle 2 years ago (CV boot tore). Does that replace the tie rod also, or that's a totally different part?
'95 Sentra

totaly different part. The tie rod is part of the steering linkage that pushes your wheels out and in when you turn. The half shaft (that has a CV joint) is what turns the wheels. The parts are about 8" away from each other, but they are not the same.

 

[Vette73]

What shop?


Also the Tie-Rod is one of the easy parts to replace, i.e. big money maker for aligment people.

ALWAYS get a 2nd look at it.

 

[Kadarin]

Of course, we can't answer the question of whether the mechanic was lying to you. That your car may indeed have legitimately needed the work is very plausible, however.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: psteng19
I just changed my suspension, again (struts and springs) and naturally went to get an alignment to correct the toe and camber.
The guy at the alignment shop said he can't do it unless I replace the tie rod otherwise it will go out of wack again.
I had no choice so I said yes.

Was he lying just to get me to spend more money?
I replaced my left axle 2 years ago (CV boot tore). Does that replace the tie rod also, or that's a totally different part?

'95 Sentra

lmao, you 'naturally' went to get an alignment to correct the toe and camber but you ask if a CV joint has anything to do with a tie rod...