front wheel bearings at 199,000 mi.

[Just Ken]

I went for tires for my 93' Taurus wagon (just the rears) and they wanted to replace my front wheel bearings (both sides) and the right side inner and outer tie rod ends. So my question is...can I replace just the bearings or should I just replace the whole hub? And what's up with inner tie rod ends? They don't look anything like the outer (on-line). What does it take to change the inner tie rod end? Thanks!

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by Just Ken

And what's up with inner tie rod ends? They don't look anything like the outer (on-line).

Typical on a rack and pinion car.

What does it take to change the inner tie rod end?

May or may not require special tools.

Many folks don't want to go through the hassle and just install a rebuilt rack. Probably only $50-60 more than 2 inner tie rods anyway. If you go that way, save yourself some headache and replace both power steering hoses at the same time

[Skyhawk]

I do not recall what year the front bearings went to a bearing and hub assembly that is bolted on. I think it was after 93, say 94 or 95. If that is the case then you would have bearings that are pressed into the steering knuckle and hubs that the steering knuckle with the bearing in it ARE PRESSED ONTO THE HUB. If this is your case, that is if the 93s had this set up, you have to remove the steering knuckles in order to change the bearings and you should also replace the hubs. I agree with the above , that is the steering rack should be replaced and this would get you new outer tie rods. I also agree that the rack hoses and metal lines should be replaced as should the outer tie rod ends. Also note that there are fasteners that are lock type and are one time use only, e.g. the axel nuts and steering knuckle pinch bolts and nuts. The fasteners will need to be replaced.

[Just Ken]

So, if I wanted to replace the inner tie rod on the right side I should replace the whole rack and pinion, plus hoses etc, etc? Isn't that a little extreme for a 17 yr old car?

[Skyhawk]

Extreme, maybe. Given the age and milage on the car I am of the opinion that replacing the rack and its fluid lines would be prudent. Yes, you can simply replace the one inner tie rod, but the other side is most likely equally worn, as is the inner workings of the rack. If the vehicle had 20,000 miles on it, and not 200,000 miles on it, my answer would be different.

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by Just Ken

So, if I wanted to replace the inner tie rod on the right side I should replace the whole rack and pinion, plus hoses etc, etc? Isn't that a little extreme for a 17 yr old car?

Rough estimates (from some online shopping)

Rebuilt rack - $100
PS pressure hose - $30
Outer Tie Rod - $10-20 ea

$150 sounds pretty cheap to me, if the rest of the car is in good shape ! For an extra $5-10 i would replace the low pressure hose also.