Out of curiosity if I am holding a tie rod in my hand how much resistance should I feel when moving the ball in the socket? Before teardown the car did not wander or have loose steering but I did find a worn idler arm. I am just wondering if I need to replace any tie rod ends prior to reassembly.

Thanks in advance.

Jonathan, there is some resistance when working the ball in a circular motion in the socket. Newer ones obviously will reveal more resistance. What you are looking for is wear. Move the ball from side to side (not circular) do this at several locations. The ball should stay put and not move. Then grab the ball stud and try to pull out of the socket. Again it should not move. If you have any play I recommend you change the tie rod ends since you have them out.

Lator Gator

Some manufacturers publish a specification of the rotation of the joint in foot lbs. Using a needle type of torque wrench to give you the spec when rotating the joint.