The rod end of the Oldsmobile Alero can develop too much play and need replacing. Too much play can affect how your vehicle tracks, thanks to the tie rod's integral role with the steering. The good news is that after you replace the tie rod and have your Alero aligned, the performance will improve.
Purchase tie rod ends made specifically for your Oldsmobile Alero. Since tie rod ends vary from model year to model year, it's important to get the right ones. The tie rod ends often come with nuts as well as a cotter pin (think bobby pin on steroids).
Open the hood, and undo the cable from the negative post on your battery. Loosen the lug nuts on the front tires with a lug nut wrench, jack up the Alero and then support it on jack stands. Remove the tires. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Pull out the cotter pin with a pair of pliers, then remove the nut that secures the tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle.
Loosen the pinch bolts on the tie rod end, then use a steering linkage puller to separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle.
Unscrew the tie rod out of the adjuster.
Put on the tie rod end onto the adjuster, and slip the outer tie rod ball stud into the steering knuckle.
Screw on the hex slotted nut to the tie rod ball stud and make sure you tighten it to 35 to 50 foot pounds. Slip in the cotter pin that comes with the new tie rod end.
Repeat Section One and Two for the other tie rod end, then install the tires. Tighten the lug nuts to 100 foot pounds, then reconnect the cable to the negative post on your battery. Get your Oldsmobile Alero aligned.
