Plymouth Repair: 1991 Plmouth Sundance, plmouth, loose tie

Question
Hello, I have 2 questions. How can you tell if you need to replace tie rods? I took the car to a shop because I kept having to buy front tires (used), they would wear out quickly, in about a month. The machanic said my tie rods are bad but didn't say which ones. I just had him put new tires on for now, not used ones. Now the tires seem to be doing fine after about a month and a half of driving. so I didn't take it back for tie rods, yet. Just don't want unessary repairs, or for them to snap on me. Also, my alternater belt keeps shreading. How tight should it be put on and/or is there another part that could be causing it to shread?

Answer
Hi Cherie,  

  Jack the car up and grab the front and rear of the front tire.  There should be NO play side to side NONE.  If there is you have a loose tie rod and can be a major safety concern.  There are 4 tie rods in the front of that car two inners and two outers.  If you jack both sides of the car up and cannot turn the tires by hand (with the key on) you may have a seized outer tie rod.  (which is just as dangerous as a loose outer)
  The belt si probably shredding because something is not lined up right.  Its usually the bushings on the alternator that wear out and make the belt ride on an angle.  A belt should be tight enough so there is very little deflection and it doesn't slip under load.  Too tight can damage a bearing and the belt.  You shouldn't be able to play it with a bowstring.