Okay...driving along Ferntree Gully road yesterday. back off on the accelerator ...just cruising when I hear "clunk, clunk, clunk" repeatedly from the front end of my TS V6 wagon. Nope...not motor noise...something in the suspension, for sure. Steering seems unaffected but the clunking can be felt, ever so slightly, through the wheel. There's no noticeable pulling to the left or right but the bloody clunking noise gets worse as you decelerate/cruise and only muffles when the brakes are applied or you hit the accelerator. The clunking is really loud when the car is just crawling but the clunks are more widely spaced apart as the wheels are rotating slower.

So I take it to my mechanic who pulls and tugs at both front wheels and then uses a pry bar to check the engine mounts. His verdict? Buggered driver's side tie rod. He's going to fix it on Saturday morning but he said it should be okay to drive until then. Me...I'm not so sure! I've heard horror stories of tie rods giving way.

So...opinions please... Should I do the tie rods on both sides? Is the mechanic right in saying the car is okay to drive for now...just noisy?

All input greatly appreciated!

without seeing the car i cant say if its save to drive or not .its an easy job all you need is a jack/ car stand .17mm 22mm spanners a hammer and pliers just count how many rotation it takes to get the old tie rod off and do the same amount with the new one

Thanks MagnaMan... My mechanic said to drive the car carefully until Saturday and it should be fine...but that clunking scares the tripe out of me! And what do you reckon...change the tie rods on both ends or just the one?

again have to see the car . one could be shot the other good . at the age of the car it wouldn,t hurt.

again have to see the car . one could be shot the other good . at the age of the car it wouldn,t hurt.

Well...he's quoted $120 to do the one tie rod...that's the part and labour. I suppose that $200 isn't much to pay for peace of mind. I reckon I will do both rods.

You're right...the car is old and it can't hurt.

last tie rod i brought was $25 fitted it myself.

Repco has them. You probably need new boots too. And a wheel alignment afterwards.

Thanks MadMax. You should hear the bloody thing...clunk, clunk, clunk. I'm driving it as little as possible even though the mechanic said it would be okay.

Well...pleased to report that $160 lighter in my wallet ($120 for the tie rod and fitting, $40 for the wheel alignment) the doggy mobile is back in action sweet as ever!

And to think I harboured thoughts of trading her in.....shudder!! ;-)