How much should you be able to move a outer tie rod end before considering replacement? Does removing them always require replacement?

You shouldn't have ANY play in the tie rods. Removing them doesn't necessarily mean you need to replace them.

most of the tie rod ends i have dealt with, all subaru, are pretty tight. it takes a fair amount of force with my fingers to move, swivel, the threaded piece.

 

one i removed last fall moved pretty easily, much less force required. no unusual movement , just less force required. when does the tie rod end change from ok to not ok.?

 

i replaced it, but i was just trying to learn at what point does it becomes too loose??

 

thanks

It's a ball and socket joint where the ball, with the stud attached, will move in all directions freely. But, as soon as the ball can "rattle" around in the socket, it's Past time to replace it.

I recently had to replace a bad inner. The outer didn't have any play in it, but the boot was leaking grease, and the grease looked like it was water saturated. Was it bad? Not yet... Would it be stupid not to replace it? Yea, it's going to go, the part isn't cheap but while I had it all apart there was no reason not to. I'd rather spend $40 and do the job right then have it break taking a sharp corner, etc.