On Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:41:43 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote:


My son-in-law who had a tie rod separate at 30K miles on a 2001 model
didn't think so.
"Permanently lubricated" is the claim. A simple zerk fitting would
probably make it last for 100k miles.

What car? Probably just a defective end.
You might feel them if they loosen up, but modern suspensions
are pretty buffered from transmitting that.
Best way is an occasional trip to a rack where a front end man can
muscle stuff around to look for wear.
I always have my kid check my cars out for that before going on a
trip.
I've heard of guys drilling ball joints and tie rod ends then using
these.
(It's a sel-tapping zerk.)
https://www.fastenal.com/web/product...l.ex?sku=58790

Wouldn't consider it myself. Aside from keeping shavings out, it's
just not necessary.

--Vic