Here are some of the reasons tie rod ends go bad: Wrong tie rod end Over greasing or under greasing Out of balance wheel Bent rim Removal with the wrong tool (a pickle fork will usually ruin the seal). Maybe it sat on the shelf too long and the rubber was rotten? If it is only the rubber seal you might be able to get a generic replacement at the local auto store. Take off the old one and bring it to the store and try to match up a replacement. Before reassembling wipe off the rod end as much as you can and after reassembling relubricate with grease. Use new cotter pins and tighten the nut to the correct torque spec. If you don't turn the rod end you should not have to have the car aligned again. David Teitelbaum vin 10757 --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Jerry" <jlharry@xxxx> wrote: > Why do I need to replace my tie rod ends after only a couple hundred miles. > Alignment checks ok, car does not pull either way, tire wear is not evident. > The tie rod ends have come apart again. The seals are broken open and dirt > can get in, this can not be right.