1999 Honda Civic Tie Rod Ends and Bellows Boots

1999 HONDA CIVIC
160,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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MCLV
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hello there,

My civic makes a noise somewhere in the drive train close to the wheels when I drive it. It is similar to that thumping sound when the struts or dampers are worn out. It happens everytime I go over a puthole. Someone told me it could be the tie rod ends and the bellows boots. What are these two components? How do you go about fixing it? The mechanic wants to charge me $800 to fix them. Is there an alternative? How long can these things go without fixing (any immediate danger)? Can I fix it myself?

Thanks!!
Sep 15, 2009 at 6:09 PM
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F4I_GUY
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 3,302 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It's probably not the tie rods. It's most likely either the upper balljoint or stabilizer end links.
Sep 15, 2009 at 7:10 PM
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