Steering Tie Rod End Replacement Guide for the 1981-1989 Dodge Aries
Fix loose steering and clunking noises by choosing the right replacement tie rod ends for your Aries.
- A bad tie rod end on your Aries will cause loose steering, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear.
- Aftermarket parts are the only option; brands like Moog and Delphi are premium choices, while Dorman and Mevotech offer solid value.
- Replacing tie rods is a DIY-possible job, but a professional wheel alignment is mandatory immediately afterward to ensure safety and prevent tire damage.
- It is best practice to replace outer tie rods in pairs (left and right) for balanced handling.
Is Your Dodge Aries Steering Feeling Loose?
If you own a 1981-1989 Dodge Aries, you appreciate its straightforward, reliable design. However, parts wear out over time, and the steering tie rod ends are no exception. These components are constantly working as you drive, and when they wear, it can make your car feel unpredictable and unsafe. Common symptoms include a clunking sound from the front end, a shaky steering wheel, or a loose, wandering feeling while driving.
Symptoms of a Bad Tie Rod End
Worn tie rod ends can show several signs. Ignoring them can lead to more significant problems, including a complete loss of steering control. Here’s what to look and listen for:
- Loose or Shaky Steering: You may feel extra play or a dead zone in the steering wheel before the wheels respond. The steering might feel less precise than it used to.
- Clunking or Knocking Noises: A common sign is a distinct clunk or rattle from the front of the car, especially when turning at low speeds or going over bumps.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Bad tie rods can throw off the wheel alignment, causing the inside or outside edges of your front tires to wear down much faster than the rest of the tread.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: When a tie rod is very worn, it can cause the vehicle's alignment to be off, making the car pull to the left or right.
Safety First: Alignment is Not Optional
Replacing a tie rod end will change your vehicle's wheel alignment. You must get a professional front-end alignment immediately after the repair. Driving without a proper alignment will cause poor handling and destroy your tires in a very short time.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Tie Rod End
For a vehicle like the Dodge Aries, original OEM parts from Chrysler are generally no longer available. The aftermarket is your only source, offering a range of quality and price points. Here’s how the available brands generally stack up based on user reviews and reputation.
Premium Brands ($25 - $52)
These brands are known for better materials and engineering, often meeting or exceeding original quality. They are a good choice if you want the longest-lasting repair.
- Moog: Often considered a top-tier aftermarket brand, Moog is known for its "Problem Solver" line and often includes features like grease fittings for longer life. While historically a go-to for mechanics, some feel the quality has become less consistent recently.
- Delphi: As a major OE supplier, Delphi parts are generally well-regarded and designed to match original specifications and performance.
- Mevotech (TTX Line): Mevotech's premium "TTX" (Tough Terrain Xtreme) line is built to be more durable than standard parts and competes directly with other premium brands.
Standard & Economy Brands ($8 - $25)
These brands offer a good balance of price and quality for a daily driver or a car that doesn't see heavy use. For an older vehicle like the Aries, these are often a perfectly acceptable and budget-friendly choice.
- Mevotech (Supreme): The "Supreme" line is Mevotech's standard-grade offering, considered a solid, near-OEM quality replacement.
- Dorman: Dorman offers a vast range of parts at affordable prices. While quality can sometimes be inconsistent, they are a viable budget-friendly option for a standard repair.
- QuickSteer & Suspensia: These brands fall into the economy category. They meet basic requirements and can be a good choice when the budget is the primary concern.
Pro Tip: Inner vs. Outer and Left vs. Right
Your Aries has both inner and outer tie rod ends on each side. When you inspect them, check for play in both. It's common practice to replace both the left and right outer tie rods at the same time, as they have experienced the same amount of wear.
Cost to Replace Dodge Aries Tie Rod Ends
| Part / Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Tie Rod End (1) | $8.64 - $51.19 |
| Shop Labor (One Side) | $100 - $180 |
| Wheel Alignment | $80 - $150 |
| Total Professional Repair (One Side) | $190 - $380+ |
Cost estimates are for one side and can vary by location and repair shop. DIY repair saves on labor but requires specific tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just one tie rod end?
Yes, but it is highly recommended to replace them in pairs (both left and right sides). If one has failed due to age and mileage, the other is likely not far behind. This ensures balanced steering and saves you from doing the same job twice.
Is this a difficult job to do myself?
For a DIYer with some experience, it's a manageable job. You will need a jack and jack stands, a good socket set, and a special tool called a tie rod end puller or a pickle fork to separate the joint. Remember, you will still need to take the car to a shop for a wheel alignment immediately after.
Are there any recalls for the Dodge Aries steering?
A search of the NHTSA database did not find any specific recalls for the steering tie rod ends on the 1981-1989 Dodge Aries. Any failures are typically due to normal wear and tear over the vehicle's long life.
What's the difference between an inner and outer tie rod?
The outer tie rod end connects directly to the steering knuckle at the wheel. The inner tie rod end connects to the steering rack, hidden under a protective rubber boot. Outer tie rods fail more commonly, but both should be inspected for wear.
Technical Specifications
The 1981-1989 Dodge Aries uses a power rack and pinion steering system. It requires one inner and one outer tie rod end for both the driver and passenger side. The correct aftermarket part will be specified for the Saginaw-designed steering rack used in these models. Common interchange part numbers for the inner tie rod include 26000076, 26026745, and 4147094.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Dodge Aries:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Dodge Aries Steering Feeling Loose?
- Symptoms of a Bad Tie Rod End
- Safety First: Alignment is Not Optional
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Tie Rod End
- Premium Brands ($25 - $52)
- Standard & Economy Brands ($8 - $25)
- Pro Tip: Inner vs. Outer and Left vs. Right
- Cost to Replace Dodge Aries Tie Rod Ends
- Frequently Asked Questions
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