Bnuk,, I cant believe Im still getting e mails about this thread???I havent been on this web site in months,, but since Im here, I will do my best to answer you.. Any play whatso ever in a tie rod,, is no good,, But,, it wont cause a vibration,, it might make a vibration caused by something else worse,, example, tire, wheel, axle, but a worn tie rod will only cause bad tire wear. A Bad or loose tie rod, might be inner or outer, on acell will cause a toe IN situation due to torque reaction on the steering hub,, thus,, some outer tire wear,, but on cruise ( normal driving) will cause inner tire wear, due to dragging motion of the hub.. The Hub is your steering knuckle, which your wheel is directly attached to.. Make sense?? But neither toe in or out will cause a vibration,, they might amplify,, but not cause.. Brake pad cracking is most always due to over heating,secondary source is a sticking caliper Pin.. One pin moves,, the other dosent, caliper piston pushes,, pad cracks due to bending,, something to REALLY look into !!