Has anyone had experience with whether a loose tie rod is covered under CPO? To me it sounds like the cause would be a bushing which would be considered wear and tear rather than a covered expense. The dealer quote included the part so I have the service advisor also checking into it but I also wanted to educate myself. I appreciate your insight.

 

Not sure that's a gray area

 

Not mine. Back in late 2011 I had to replace both tie rods. I have CPO and dealer told me it is considered a "wear" item so was not covered under the 100K mile CPO. Needless to say $1k later they were replaced and drive felt much better. But sucks to have to spend a grand.

 

Mine was replaced under CPO.

 

I'm just about to change mine - tomorrow infact.

Cost me £90 for 2x genuine Lemforder (OEM?) items with bolts - and another £30 from the dealer for one boot with clips (one has a hole in) and grease - i plan to cut the other tie rod in half with the angle grinder,to remove the old boot which is as new (bought new OEM clips to refix)

Think that equates to roughly $150?

Tim

 

It's a doable DIY. Just need a big adjustable wrench (sears craftsman $45) as the nut end is big > 37mm (don't need a tie rod wrench tool as the nut sides are flat), a tie rod puller (my rod fell out without it), adjustable metal clamp band for the boot, and some locktite oil for the inner tie rod thread. Plenty of video on youtube to give you the general idea. Leomforder tie rod is $100 and realignment $100.

For the e60, you'll need to remove the bottom engine panel and I used slight pressure with a jack under the tie rod arm to hold it place while tightening the nut.

 

just done mine today - the only pain was the lack of 37mm spanners at my local DIY, so bought a long needed adjustable for the job.... easy enough to do, hardest thing is removing the old ball joint nut, i broke several torx 40 bits and had to jack up against the bottom of the first joint, to undo t.... next painwas the plastic cowling that covers the back of the gaiter... easy once you manage to push it out of the way.... unexpected that bit

 

The jack trick is key. Getting the clamps off the boot was also a pain. I'd cut them off with a Drexel next time.

Wondering when we might use the monster spanner again?

 

i found that quite easy, i undid 3 screws for the cowling covering the boot, then got a long flat blade in and picked the metal clip off...then to refit i put it all together, got underneath and wrapped it around, then used side cutters to crimp it...worked a treat

 

wow you got jacked.
OP - normally this is not covered under CPO. HOWEVER, it really depends on how your dealer wants to code it.
I replaced my tie rod ends and then took car to get aligned several years back. Are you replacing ends only or are you replacing inner and outer?