how to replace a tie rod end?
 

I can't find any info or a diy anywhere. I can remove the end from the knuckle no problem, but how the heck do I remove the other side (adjustment side)?

There is a nut on the steering rack part and a nut on the tie rod end. I tried twisting them opposite directions, but they wont budge (even with pb bolt buster). There is also a notch on the actual tie rod that I have tried using a wrench on, but with no luck. Maybe I just don't have enough leverage, but I find it hard to believe that they have to use shitloads of force when they adjust the toe on my car during an alignment. :ugh:

The haynes manual is of no help btw. All it says is "remove tie rod from steering rack"!

you mean to take off the inner tie rod or just seperate the inner and out tie rods from each other
also what side are talking about here, cause one side should have reversed threads

Loosen the bolt then place a wrench on on the on the tierod and place on on the output shaft (the threaded part should have a notch on it) and spin the tierod off. You may need force to break the bolt free but after that it should come off.

Ok. So there are 3 places I can put a wrench.
1) the outer tie rod itself
2) the nut between the outer and inner tie rod
3) the threaded part of the inner tie rod

Are you saying I need to loosen #2 from #1 first, and then spin spin #1 off?

Also, any suggestions for a tool that will allow me more leverage than my crescent wrenches?

the correct size wrench..... (i think a 19mm, or might actually be a 22mm, idk, but i know it is one of them though)

also leave the outer tie rod sitting in the knuckle with the nut on loosely, so it will keep it from turning for you

the nuts on the end are the locknuts- you tighten them after you adjust the threaded part to adjust its length

Measure the length of the exposed rod before removal and set new one close to that- should be ok to drive to alignment shop then

hold the rod by its wrench part and loosen the nuts- one is opposite direction of normal.
A big wrench- something a foot long is what mechanics use- and holding 2 wrenches together- so you are securing the rod with one and pulling opposite of it with the other wrench,,does that make sense?

I would not use cresent wrenches on these nuts- they are on as tight as you can get them with a big wrench that fits,,

or count the number of turns it takes to come off, then put the new one on that many turns (more then likely will be 10-20 turns)

good idea fries,
I measure so I dont get stuck remembering: was that counting half or full rotations ??duuuuhhh

normally full (with partial on the last thread), just have to make sure you know exactly when the new tie rod starts to thread on though, but not really that hard though, so you know when to start counting back on
and to remember it, i just scratch it into wheel well liner with a screwdriver (just has to be deep enough that you can read it) (or maybe a paint pen onto the liner)

Cool. What is the difference between a crescent wrench and a "big wrench"? Just a bigger crescent I guess? Sorry if its a dumb question

Get a BOX wrench and dont use a crescent wrench. Get the correct size wrench needed.

Don't think he could use a box end in this case, maybe a flare nut wrench. Always better to use correct size wrench rather than adjustable.

I didnt say to use the box end of the wrench, i said to get a box wrench of the correct size.

http://www.toolnet.co.za/images/45963.jpg

With all due respect that pic is of combination wrenches, not box wrenches. A box wrench, by definition, would have to enclose all sides of the fastener. :smile:

careful totaled- dont mess with kris or find yourself in the doghouse,,,lose post counts- get a 7 day time out~

Yes he put a pic of `combo` wrenches which have the box and open ends of 1 size
BUT it shows what a proper tool looks like
Cresent/adjustable wrenches loosen and damage the important lock nuts

Invest in 1 or 2 wrenches the right size or get a kit with several as pictured
try harbor freight for cheap or sears for good stuff

Lol- ok- ain't skeered tho.... :biggrin:

Ha. Ok I guess my terminology was wrong too. I am using a "fixed" wrench like the one pictured. I always called those adjustable ones chinese wrenches. A buddy used to call them that and it just kinda stuck with me. Ok so THOSE are the crescent wrench, not the chinese wrench. Sorry hope no chinese get offended by that :tongue:

this is a crescent wrench
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...UL._AA260_.jpg

Hmm, somebody hacked my avatar...



<----------:ponder:

:rofl:
what does the bottom say, can't read it, too small

When you have 10-12 hours to spare.