Chrysler Repair: 00 Concorde: suspension clunking noise, concorde lxi, alignment shop

Question
My 2000 Concorde LXi makes a sort of "clunking" sound with an accompanying slight jolt. An experienced mechanic told me it was probably a tie rod. Is there any way to determine which tie rod has gone out? Also, are tie rods the sort of thing that should all be replaced at once, or can they be replaced singly? What is the risk of worn tie rods if one fails? Lastly how does one replace tie rods?

Answer
Hi Logan,
A tie rod usually doesn't clunk, it just get's loose which causes poor steering control (pulls to the left or right, toe-in changes causing edges of tire treads to show wear, feathering). My suggestion would be to have an independent front end alignment shop inspect it to determine what is worn. It is probably a bushing on the stabilizer bar that runs across the front of the suspension system, connecting the struts on either side. You might be able to detect where it is with the help of a friend who would push down on the fender/bumper fascia while you listen/look from underneath.
Roland