I have replaced my outer tie rods on my 05 Malibu TWICE this past year with some AC Delco Professional parts. They replaced the original outer tie rods after roughly 120k. The originals were actually still solid, but the inners were bad so I figured their time was coming.
Well, within 9 months those new outers had developed play in the knuckle, so I did a warranty, had another alignment done, and all was well...for less than 3 months. Obvious play is back. I can tell when descending a canyon as my front end will shake violently every time I apply the brakes. Jacking up the front end you can see noticeable play when moving the tire.
So what gives? I've typically had good results with AC Delco Professional parts. This calls into question all the other ACD parts on my car now. The outers APPEARED to be high-quality when they arrived. Installation is a cinch (it is a tie rod...nothing to it), and I use high quality grease in the joints.
I'm wary of doing another warranty replacement...I think I might take my losses and try a different brand. I'm thinking of going for something sealed. Sure, they grease-able ones MIGHT last longer, but considering my original sealed ones lasted over 120k and my greaseable ones lasted less than 10k, I'm not too worried.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Well, within 9 months those new outers had developed play in the knuckle, so I did a warranty, had another alignment done, and all was well...for less than 3 months. Obvious play is back. I can tell when descending a canyon as my front end will shake violently every time I apply the brakes. Jacking up the front end you can see noticeable play when moving the tire.
So what gives? I've typically had good results with AC Delco Professional parts. This calls into question all the other ACD parts on my car now. The outers APPEARED to be high-quality when they arrived. Installation is a cinch (it is a tie rod...nothing to it), and I use high quality grease in the joints.
I'm wary of doing another warranty replacement...I think I might take my losses and try a different brand. I'm thinking of going for something sealed. Sure, they grease-able ones MIGHT last longer, but considering my original sealed ones lasted over 120k and my greaseable ones lasted less than 10k, I'm not too worried.
Thoughts? Suggestions?