Diagnosis And Testing - Tie Rod: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Dodge Durango. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Tie rod free-play can be measured using the following hand methods:
NOTE:
When checking free-play, DO NOT rotate the tie rod. Just because a tie rod rotates easily, it is not necessarily faulty.
NOTE:
Always check and repair (if necessary) outer tie rod free-play before checking inner tie rod free-play. False results can otherwise be obtained.