Discussions

Does anyone know anything about replacing tie rod ends and the average cost to do so? I just got my winter tires on and was advised that my tie rod end should be replaced ASAP. Never had this issue before. Was also indicated that my battery needs a recharge in the future. Funny thing is that I just got the battery a year ago after the OEM one died after 3 years of use.

Tie rod end replacement will vary greatly, not only model to model but individual application. Depending on gow long the part has required replacement it could have worn other components of your steering linkage and/or suspension. After replacement the vehicle will require an alignment.  
As for the battery they are countless variables to consider. Shorth trips take a toll on battery life if the alternator doesn't have sufficient time to replace the charge you've used to crank the engine over.

I actually took a multimeter and tested my battery and it still has good readings. Went and looked around and Cdn Tire has a replacement tie rod end for $85.00 for my model of vehicle (07' Dodge Dakota). Didn't purchase it, but won't be doing any highway driving until I get it replaced, as leaving it for too long could make my steering uncontrollable or lose a wheel. If only I had a jack handy so I can assess the damage....

you don't need to jack it up. Lay on the ground and put your fingers around the joint between the tie rod pieces. Have a helper wiggle the wheel left and right just a bit. Feel if there is any play.  
I'm puzzled as to why only one is shot. It would make sense to replace both. It's not a hard job to replace but the truck will need a wheel alignment afterward.  
I wouldn't be too worried about it falling apart. Also a lot of tire shops make a lot of extra money at tire sale time selling extras like a wheel alignment and then they say we can't really do the alignment because you need a new ______.

...a couple links for you.  
 
First, How to check if the tie rod is bad.  
 
 
 
Second, How to change them.  
 
 
 
As far as your battery is concerned, go to Prairie Battery, Napa, etc and have them do a load test on your battery. That is the only way to determine if the battery is failing. A multimeter will only show voltage but not if the proper amps are being drawn while starting. Battery needing a recharge is a strange diagnosis since that's what your alternator does while the engine is running...but that's just my opinion.  
 
A jack, a couple simple hand tools and a box of beer and your on your way.  
 
Good Luck.  
 
Marpet

typical up-selling pitch. Definitely ask for 2nd/3rd opinion from other shops. At least I wouldn't worry too much about the battery since it's only one year old.

If you are a CAA member, I understand they will check your coolant antifreeze and batteries. It is cheaper for them to do the maintenance than provide tows.

If the alignment was out of line too long it could cause only one to go bad. Some parts on 1 side of vehicles will go bad a little sooner before others as well depending on the way the car is laid out. But as you said i would also recommend replacing both tie rods as the other one would probably go bad some time soon and then you'd need to pay for the new part labor and another alignment.