Testing Tie Rod Ends

[schofiel at telusplanet.net (Curtis Schofield)]

My Scirocco just came back from an insurance inspection,
as it's insurance is getting switched over to my fiances.

Anyways, Prior to the inspection it was Aligned, it's
been driven 2 times since then. (Would have been
at the begining of the summer) Once was when i
was doing brake work, and once was at an autocross.

In the Insurance inspection the Inner Tie Rod end came
back as failed, I called the mechanic and inquired to his
technique when testing the vehicle. He said that
taking the weight off the wheel and then shaking it side
to side tells him that it is loose.

The Bentley has another way of doing it that involves
manipulating the actual tie rod.

Is this a valid way to check? Or does it indicate another
problem.

There is a 'clunk' when this method is used.

bastard car!



--
Curtis
'84 8v Scirocco.
'84 8v Jetta GLi (rip '98)