dreyes78

I have an ‘07 TLS with 254k miles. The front struts are weak, and when I did an alignment recently they told me my outer tie rods are worn. I do have some minor play in the steering when I drive. So I’m rebuilding everything while I’m in there. Spent 3k on OEM parts from an online Acura dealer. New struts, LCA bushings(all 3), ball joints, outer tie rods. Also needed new side motor mount, timing belt/water pump kit, and a couple of other little nick nacks. But all the online Acura dealers are out of the inner tie rods. Most of the online dealers had them for an average of $90 each. I called my local dealership and they also didn’t have them in stock but he did say they can order them and they’d be in in about 3 days. But they are $146 each!

Now, I’ll pay that if I have to. But before I do that I just want to reach out to the community on your opinions on some Sankei 555 inner tie rods I saw on Heeltoe auto for $43.92. With all other parts being OEM, will the inner tie rod being a Sankei be detrimental in any way? Is the inner tie rod that critical to necessitate an OEM part, such as is the case with outer tie rods and ball joints?

Thanks

csmeance

Try a honda dealer, it's the same inner tie rod for 04-08 TL, TSX and 2003 to 2007 Accord. The might be willing to do a better price than acura and still have an OEM part.

dreyes78

Aaah, why didn’t I think of that? And I know about that but for some reason it didn’t cross my mind these days. Thanks!

BROlando

The factory part is a "sure thing". Sankei makes decent parts, but, as with any aftermarket part...there's always some doubt whether it will last or be totally safe.