Rear Tie Rod Ends

[secondchance]

I have been trying to locate and get rid of this annoying popping noise from the rear. Replacing all shocks helped but did not eliminate completely.
The noise seems to occur when the rear moves up and down in rapid succession (like going over a washboard surface).
With 109,000 miles on the odo, I am beginning to suspect rear tie rod ends and/or toe center link. This center link seems to have socket joints.
A few questions for suspension gurus put there:

1. Would worn out tie rod ends make this type of noise? Does socket joints in the center go bad over time?
2. Early cars (up to 91) I think has greasiable rod ends. My 94 has no fitting for grease. Is it better to have greasiable rod ends? If so, would early rod ends mate to inner rod and bolt up to rear knuckle?
3. Corvette Central carries a high performance version of inner and outer toe link assemble for about the same money as factory piece. Would it make better sense to go this route?

[Scrrem]

Are you sure it's not wheel bearing?
Rich

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by Scrrem

Are you sure it's not wheel bearing?
Rich

That is a possibility. I get that change of direction "clank" noise. But, would bad bearing make popping noise going over bumps?

[Scrrem]

Originally Posted by secondchance

That is a possibility. I get that change of direction "clank" noise. But, would bad bearing make popping noise going over bumps?

Yeah, maybe not. I guess wheel bearings would be a continous noise, not a pop or clank.

[QB93Z]

Yun, I would be gald to offer a donor rear tie rod assembly from one of my cars, but they have almost as many miles as yours. Maybe we can find a lower miles donor that is willing to do a swap and comparison run.

Anyone out there????

Jim

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by QB93Z

Yun, I would be gald to offer a donor rear tie rod assembly from one of my cars, but they have almost as many miles as yours. Maybe we can find a lower miles donor that is willing to do a swap and comparison run.

Anyone out there????

Jim

I appreciate the thought but removal/install would involve a 4 wheel alignment and too much hassle.
Replacement parts are about $243 (factory)vs. $309 (aftermarket).
You know how it is. I have been trying to eliminate this for about a year and replaced spring cushion, shock bushing and shocks(I needed these replaced anyway). I hope this solves the problem (annoying more than anything).