2009 Tie Rods Need to be replaced..what else should I be doing?

[mk7880]

I have a 2009 Expedition with 132000 miles on it. My rear tire rods and front tie rods are all loose and I plan to replace them. I wanted to hear from everyones experience if I should be doing other suspension work while I am that far into it. Ball joints, Rear control arms and trailing links, camber bushings..etc. Part of me also thinks if its not broke..don't fix it. I don't have a good gauge of how durable the other suspension components are. I had to replace the ball joints on my 2002 F150 twice but I was told the 2009 platform has an improved design.
Let me know your thoughts.

 

[Adieu]

You mean.... toe links??


There's no such thing as a rear tie rod, not unless you have some overengineered technology showcase pony car like the early '90s BMW 850i with 4-wheel steering...actually that's about the only production car I can think of with steerable rear wheels.

 

[1955moose]

Maybe he's got a monster truck with the four wheel steering. All jokes aside, if your not equipped or capable to do a full front/ rear suspension assessment, find a reputable/honest shop do it for you. You can shake items like tires at 9:00 and 3:00 with your hands, and have an assistant observe items like tie rod ends for movement. The same moving of tires can be used for movement of pitman arm, idler arm play. Ball joints need to be loaded with a pry bar under tire to see if any up/down play. Control arm bushings are a little tougher but usually you can see movement of arms at bushings when worn. Again a shop has equipment to load these items on their alignment rack. Some do it for free, others charge but you want to do right first time. Personsally I like using Moog aftermarket suspension parts due to the fact their one of the few that still use a greasable part. Lack of lubrication is what prematurely kills oem parts. Hope that helps, Moose.


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[docraymund]

Just replace what's broken. That would be the practical thing to do.

 

[mk7880]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I was oversimplifying the rear setup. Not a tie ride, but the upper control arm/ toe link for the rear suspension. Item 4 in the diagram below. I also agree with you guys and took it to a local Ford dealer for inspection. They confirmed Rear upper control arms and Front tie rods are loose, nothing else. So to docraymunds point. Just do the practical thing. I agree on the comments made on Moog components. I had a similar experience and tried to save $50 on a front end rebuild and it ended up costing me double by having to do it agaain 50k miles later.

 

[Big Brian]

I would consider replacing the shocks if you are looking for a maintenance item to replace as they wear out and protect all the other suspension components.