westcoast4.2

I have a 2002 C5 4.2. I have already searched the forum but having a hard time trying to understand the difference between control arms and tie rods.

I recently noticed that my front driver's side tire is very worn on the outer edge. Could this be a tie rod issues or could it be a control arm issues? Also, when I make turns at slow speeds I hear clicking noise but can tell if it's coming from the front or rear.

I see a lot of discussions about tie rods and control arms and see that both can cause tire wear but I don't understand what the difference is between the two.

Thanks.

Just Me

The control arms (there are 4 of them) locate the hub/wheel solidly in position, while allowing it to move up and down. They are the pivot points for the suspension. each has a ball joint at one end and a rubber bushing at the other.

Tie rods connect the hub to the steering rack, and turn it to turn the wheels (steer). When you turn the wheel the rack moves left or right, and each end is connected to a rod that ties it to the wheel/hub. That's the tie rod.

Clunks are typically control arms.

The wear sounds like alignment. A good show should be able to determine what is moving. It may be more than one component.

if you have to ask that question, you are not the one to do the investigation, at least not alone.

G

AR15Texan

Clicking while turning at low speed steep angle is the tell-tale sign of CV joint failure.

Just Me

dat is true. Was not thinking of a repeated clicking. Should be felt in pedal and steering.