should i replaced end links in pairs or just 1

[davemsc]

Hey all

Is it common practice when needing to replace one end link you replace the other side at the same time? My driver front is shot and am wondering if I should just get that side fixed.
Thanks

 

[Valk]

Buy them I. Pairs. might as well replace both.

 

[pcb]

It's not like a strut or tire but you might not feel like doing the second one after getting the first one done,... get your grinder ready,..

(you'll probably have to pop the link apart to put a big ass Vise-Grip on the ball to keep it from spinning)

 

[Valk]

Just cut the link, take strut out and you have room to cut the bolts ect. There is no way to.lock the ball with a puny allen and take it off with a wrench? If its rusted at all. I have a hard enough timg loostening my custom ones which use a throughbolt and nut. Both stainless...

 

[mp5la]

If you have air tools I can usually get them off with an impact no problem. Otherwise follow the advice above and cut them off. A dremel cutoff wheel should do the trick without removing the strut (cut the nut and break it off).

Otherwise, I'd recommend both sides unless you know the relative age or condition of the other side. As always I recommend using Moog brand parts. They've redesigned the P5 endlinks and they are substantially more robust.

 

[hotcracker69]

if one is going the other one will follow.
do both

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

There is no real reason to do both if only one failed. There not like break pads, or tires where you have to do them in pairs for safety.

And i only replace the drivers side one on my Sportage at like 120k miles. Im at 229k now, and the passenger side one is still holding up just fine. So just cause one fails Does Not mean the other is going to follow.

 

[davemsc]

Hmm...sounds like there really is no clear choice.

What about an alignment after fixing 1 (or 2). Is that needed?

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

For most suspension parts replacements, you want an alignment. But a endlink is not something that effects it. So no, you wont need one.

 

[davemsc]

For most suspension parts replacements, you want an alignment. But a endlink is not something that effects it. So no, you wont need one.

Good to know... Of course the dealer wanted $88 for the oem outer tie rod end and an alignment which was another $80...... Plus labor

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

Yea, you really should get an alignment after a tie rod replacement. Some dont, but i usually do. Typically most places let you get free alignments whenever you need one for a full year after you first go there. And i put that to use!

 

[Inside]

It's about $30 for an end-link off the internet and you can do it with tools you have laying around your house and the car jack that came with your car.