Tie Rod Question

[Willkster]

I got two new front tires for the old festiva put on today at goodyear and was gonna have them do an alignement while they were at it. I had a coupon to for some money off as well. I was ready to bite the bullet and pay. But they called and said the alignment couldnt be done because the front end tie rods were too loose to get it right. They said I should look into getting some new right and left tie rods. I am gonna purchase them myself I was thinking and found them on ebay reasonably priced. Let me know what you guys are thinking.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Front-Outer-Tie-Rod-Ends-Steering-Part-ES2827RL-/290492653666?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1989%7CModel%3AFestiva&hash=item43a2b62062&vxp=mtr

Are these the right one for my 1989 Festiva? Should I attempt it myself to change them or is there something better I should get. Thanks for all the help. I am still kinda new at all this stuff so I appreciate your guys helping me.

-Nick

[1990new]

The part number appears to indicate they are moog and the listing say 2 for that price.
The same part number sells for $21.46 each on amazon.
If they are moog and the price really is for a pair then that is exceptionally reasonable. Even if for one, it's less than at amazon.

Outer tie rods ends are very easy to change, even for a novice. But if the inners are also bad, it's quite a bit more difficult.

[Chobobulous]

When it comes to suspension parts I tend to get the name brand ones. I bought some eBay ends and they wore out within a year. The moog ones I got have worked really well.

[Chobobulous]

They are not difficult to change after you get them seperated from the knuckle lol. I count the number of turns it takes to get it off then spin the new one on the same amount of turns so the alignment is close. While you have it apart you should check the inner tie rods too. On my 91 it's a 24 mm that I have to use.

[Willkster]

Wow thanks for such a fast response. But I just realized after reading the estimate from goodyear that its not the outer tie rods but the inner ones. So sorry about that.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Inner-First-Equipment-Quality-Tie-Rod-End-Ford-Festiva-93-92-91-90-89-1993-/360671011222?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1989%7CModel%3AFestiva&hash=item53f9aae196&vxp=mtr

So this is what I am looking at I guess. Unless you guys have a better option. Thanks again and sorry for the confusion.
-Nick

[bravekozak]

I bought my Moog Aspire tie rod ends on eBay for $40. The seller offered me free local pickup in Toronto because shipping was included (I didn't feel like waiting). Nyloc nuts, no castellation.

[william]

Those iners in the pic are the right ones just watch to make sure they don't try to sale you 90-93 iners they are different and will.not work 88-89 are square on the end that screws to the rack and 90-93 are hex I've gotten the wrong ones from local part stores. They will show that they fit 88-93 festiva but the older ones have fine thred and 90-93 are corse.

[bravekozak]

Don't use my Moog part number for Festiva tie rod ends. Mine is for the Aspire swap.

[1990new]

If you are not the original owner, you also need to make sure that someone has not replaced the original rack that came on the 89 (smooth steel body) with a newer one that was on the 90-93's (aluminum body with ridges). The wear could also involve your rack. You will need to remove the rack boots to replace the iners so if they are in bad conditon, you may need the boots also. Make sure you follow the manual when replacing them as there are some tricks that are not obvious. Take your right side off first and when you get the outer tie rod end loose from the knuckle (it's bad anyway..i'd just use a hammer), see if the rack shaft moves around in the housing, if it does, you also have rack problems. If your rack is bad, it's better just to get a rebuilt rack which comes with new tie rod ends already on it.
And if the rack is bad, plan to spend a lot more money.

[Willkster]

Wow so much great information again. Thanks so much. There is a lot to consider. For now I am just gonna keep my eye out for the inner tie rods for each side. And once I get them ill go about figuring out what the next step is. I really hope my rack shaft is still in good shape and usable. Thanks again for all the help.
-Nick

[defprun]

I got a set of inners off rockauto.com for 40$ for a festiva took about a week to get to canada.