DrFix2Fly

I've noticed a shaking of my steering wheel when coming down from highway speed lately. Thinking it was warped rotors, I removed the front wheels and did a run-out check of the rotors. Both were fine so I checked the run-out of the wheels. Both were fine. The problem turned out to be a worn tie rod end.

I'm not amazed that this problem showed itself just after my warranty expired, but I sucked it up and started out to find a new one. After a few calls I learned something as simple as a tie rod end is a dealer part.

Fearing mostly the price because GM has me by the balls now, I called the dealer. I learned that there may be only one of these in the country if I'm lucky. With all of the suspension the GTO has, GM has decided to not only deny it made mistakes (recent NHSTA conclusion), GM won't even adaquately support it's product by stocking spare parts on this continent!

It looks like my choices will be to wait for a GM part to get to me while I drive a broken car, buy high-dollar Pedders parts (best choice) or buy used. Once again I feel disappointed by GM.

 

b_a_betterperson

DrFix2Fly

Thanks for the help.

$58.00 for a tie rod end... good grief.

Somewhat_Broken

tie rods are on national back order for a while

DrFix2Fly

It's irresponsible for GM to let a critical steering component to remain on back order while it's customers drive around with defective and potentially dangerous problems. There are many vendors capable of making these parts, but then I guess the profit margin just isn't there.

DrFix2Fly

Am I the only one who has had an impossible time finding a replacement tie rod end? The previous post states that they are on national back order. I see them listed on GMpartshouse.com and GMnewparts.com, but I don't know if they are actually in stock since neither is open on the weekend.

There is only one dealer in FT. Wayne who has one and it is still attached to a complete rack system. They are willing to sell me a rod end for $79!! I smell a rip off. Even cleveland pick a part won't separate them from wrecked GTOs. They will only sell them as part of a complete rack. Suggestions anyone.

Somewhat_Broken

how much do you expect it to cost, if you can get one for 79, then buy it, Even aftermarket ones are 55

TORRED1

I think that this is where the real problem is with the strut rub issue, Took my GTO an 04 with 29k miles on it for state inspection, took 4 new tires with me because both front were bad with the right front the worst. Dealer found a bad left front tierod and was ready to get me a rental, but found that they had one in stock, they replaced it a performed a alignment under warrrenty due to a bad part under warrenty, I did check out the struts for rub and did see it on both sides, though it did not appear to be causing any tire damage. I did go to a 235/45 tire instead of 245/45, figuring that extra 10mm might help on the rub issue. Right now Ive got 30k on it and everything looks good so far, will keep and eye on it. I did file a report to NHTSA about the rub issue, just to get it on record and I did show it to the dealer who said it was nothing two worry about, yea???

P.S it's amazing that the left tierod being bad cause such bad wear on the right side, again will be monitoring the situtation, OH and the price for the parts is on par for an imported car, It is after all "imported"

DrFix2Fly

I can't imagine how bad tie rod ends could cause strut rub. It's just a second problem. If a dealer tries to tell you worn tie rods are causing strut rub, you are being lied to. The only tire damage that worn tie rods could possily cause would be cupping and you would certainly know it was happening because your handling would be horrible.

The problem with getting a replacement is that there is no aftermarket available except through Pedders which is an option I haven't fully looked into. It shocks me that this replacement part is not readily available. GM should keep at least a few of them in the country where they sell the car.

DrFix2Fly

Updated information: After letting the Pontiac "Customer Care Center" look into this problem, I learned that new tie rod ends will not be available for about 90 days. The rep to spoke with me refused to give me the name and number of the person who gave her this information to pass along to me. I can't even chew out the executive in charge of this problem. Apparantly GM is comfortable with me driving around with defective steering parts.