dang mileage,A dd in need of help

**Soviet** · 03-30-2011

Today I went to get my tires balance due the car shakeing on turns but I got a big surprize. Both front hubs and outer tie rod ends are shot.
The shop told me it would cost 783.00 I want see if I can do it cheaper

Can I get some help on what brands to buy and where to get them.
Also any directions on installing them

**blueguy** · 03-30-2011

Buy 2 outer tie rods for 15 bucks a piece at O'Riellys...get 2 new hub assemblies from AutoZone with a lifetime warranty for $145 a piece. Do it yourself and buy a 6 pack and have fun.

There...I just saved you over $450 bucks

**Soviet** · 03-30-2011

Alright I will take the tie rod for 15

If someone would, check this http://www.grandprixforums.net/wheel...nds-35096.html it explains that Auto Zone and the others isn't good and boost Timken or SKF 2nd post do they have a reason

**Odi** · 03-30-2011

id opt for timken. check rockauto for prices, they might have it pretty cheap.

**machinegunsquid** · 03-30-2011

Yeah, doing the labor yourself will save you a **** ton of money...Get a repair manual if you dont already...it will be a time/headache saver.

As far as the wheel bearings...I've had my Advance Auto Parts set for about 50kmiles...without a problem...and they also have a lifetime warranty. Just my .02

**Durk Diggler** · 03-30-2011

Rock auto has the Timkens for $100 each for the 04z I don't think the price would differ that much for your gen.

**Soviet** · 03-30-2011

Alright everyone thanks for the help, I will check prices on the auto stores
2nd this may be just my bad, but I had never got on rock auto until today Where are the hubs there the only 2 I found where 200+

**Soviet** · 04-11-2011

That was fun,but now hours after I see a how to post on this site which said,I should have got new hub bolts. I just lock tie the bolts, is that ok or not

**mkyota1** · 04-13-2011

You are fine. It is common practice to reuse the bolts.

**Durk Diggler** · 04-13-2011

It is a PITA to get new hub bolts, they are dealer only and I went to 3 dealerships to find one that had them when I rounded off one.

**Soviet** · 04-13-2011

Ok thanks, I was just trying make sure I wouldn't have the problem of a hub sliding out while im driving down the road.

**Scottydoggs** · 04-13-2011

when you do the tie rods just crack the retainer nut and leave it on, while the tie rod is still connected to the spindle, then remove the tie rod and leave the nut there, replace tie rod and tighten the nut up.

but don't do this until you have a set appointment with a alignment shop you'll be close but not that close and could wear out the parts if driven just a few days. tie rods are quick and easy to do, takes 30 minutes to 45 minutes tops for both sides.

**tstaller2005** · 04-13-2011

I had to replace the same parts as you did and I just went to my local Junk yard and bought the pieces off Grand Prixs with lower miles and spent 125.00 on 2 control arms a tie rod end and a left hub assembly.

**Vegas~Blown** · 04-17-2011

amazon has timkins for less than $100 and free shipping.

don't buy $15 tierod ends --- it's simply stupid. get moog and be done with it.

you can get your alignment awfully close if you measure from the frame rail to the straight edge of the front knuckle --- measure before you break things loose and you'll be very good.

**RyanL** · 04-19-2011

AC delco 150$ each with lifetime warranty i think. and not sure but i think AC delco is what the gm dealers use if not then its damn close to stock

**GTP in RTP** · 02-09-2012

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

when you do the tie rods just crack the retainer nut and leave it on, while the tie rod is still connected to the spindle, then remove the tie rod and leave the nut there, replace tie rod and tighten the nut up.

but don't do this until you have a set appointment with a alignment shop you'll be close but not that close and could wear out the parts if driven just a few days. tie rods are quick and easy to do, takes 30 minutes to 45 minutes tops for both sides.

Any idea what size wrenches/sockets i will need. Want to make sure i have before starting outer tierods. Any hints ?

**firstdue** · 02-09-2012

Advance auto has the Moog wheel bearings for $132...use ccabin for a promo code and get $40 off. Do separate orders and get $40 of each. I got the Moog tie rod ends too. I had about $350 in mine including the $55 alignment once it was done. Pretty simple job with the right tools.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

**Scottydoggs** · 02-10-2012

Originally Posted by GTP in RTP

Any idea what size wrenches/sockets i will need. Want to make sure i have before starting outer tierods. Any hints ?

i cant remember the bolt sizes, 18 mm maybe, so pull the tire, you will see a lock nut at the end of the tie rod, crack that bolt first, just make it loose, then un bolt the outer side that goes through the steering knuckle, after the bolt is off, if you have a baby sledge, 5 lb'er, or even regular hammer, hit the knuckle where the tire rod goes through the knuckle, it will pop loose after a good shot or 2 or 3, you should see some dents in the knuckle from when the job was done last, if ever done before. then un screw the tie rod, leave the lock nut in place, then screw the new tie rod on to the lock nut, tighten it all up, take it to the shop for an alignment.

**firstdue** · 02-10-2012

There are a couple good youtube videos too of the tie rods and wheel bearings done on a Pontiac or GM vehicle. They take you step by step and also go e you some helpful tips.

**GTP in RTP** · 02-10-2012

Originally Posted by firstdue

There are a couple good youtube videos too of the tie rods and wheel bearings done on a Pontiac or GM vehicle. They take you step by step and also go e you some helpful tips.

thanks guys, trying to smooth ride , had tires balanced , that helped a lot, hubs probably after tie rods. tires and shocks seem good.