I was looking at the front suspension yesterday, and although I don't know what a Pitman or idler arm is, the tie rods appear to be quite thin. I know that I have read about this being the weak link. Under what circumstances would it be recommended to replace these parts? Could these possibly break under relatively "normal" driving conditions?

 

if you look at the connecting rod between your tie rods, there are two other pieces connected to it, that have grease nipples on them. one on the left, one on the right, those are your pitman and idler arms. they have a tendency to wear out over time, but i haven't heard of one breaking. as for the tie rod ends, they are pretty small. typical driving conditions shouldn't be a problem, unless you have a habit of hitting curbs alot. they tend to break when one of your front wheels is against an immovable object (boulder, curb, etc.) and you try to turn the wheel. the power steering is strong enough to snap the one that's stuck.

 

So are you guys replacing these aformentioned parts?

 

If you are going to go play in the mud, it's a good idea to replace them (if nothing else...piece of mind). But for every day driving, They will be fine...................unless you run over a Prius, they tend to wrap around the tire and bend the tie rod.[sm=gears.gif]

 

Is it only the tie rod ends that should be replaced?