Inner tie rod question (1 Viewer)

[Indiana80]

I’ve got just a little bit of 3-9 slop in front wheels of my LX with the front of the truck on stands. I had my wife turn steering wheel with wheels on ground and it looks like the play is in inner TREs. Rack is OEM and only a few years old. Can inner TREs be retorqued or typically do they need to be replaced? I’ve also got a very random popping noise when turning- not on every turn, just on the occasional tight turn that flexes the suspension. It’s a very muted pop- sounds like it’s coming from the front left corner of the truck. I can’t find anything that’s loose in front end and am suspecting it’s related to the inner TREs. Any advice appreciated.

 

[2001LC]

ITRE are torque and staked. The OEM racks come with ITRE and they are stake and "should" not even need inspecting pre install. BUT! I don't know why, but we have found some walking off.

I inspect first just as you did. ITRE has loosened enough, they will click. Keep in mind, the rack does normally move side to side as rubber mounting bushing flex. If I feel to much movement or hear something as Irock from the 3-9. I press/feel through rubber boot covering ITRE mounting point, with my fingers. If I then feel movement at ITRE mounting point to rack. I'll pull boot off and inspect. BTW: Typically, as the ITRE walks off. The steering wheel moves off centered.

I've also found where ball joint of ITRE is shot. This feels (boot on) and sounds the same as ITRE unstaked and walking off.