farking tie rod

[Dave]

After my vacation, having only a week until the DE, I needed to get the front end suspension work done.

So, Sunday, I battled the DS and finally was able to cut off the old control arm and get the tie rod, CA, CAB and the strut assembly off. Removed the sway as well on that side as I am putting a larger one on.

This evening, I started to tackle removing the Passenger side. So I started with the CA and CAB and left the tie rod for last -- it was the easiest part on the DS. Well - everything is off except the fucking tie rod. It is stuck to the rack. I am tired - hit it with some PB and will try again tomrrow. If I can get that bastard off, getting the new stuff back on should be easy.

ANyone try a pipe wrench on the tie rod? I am baffled as to why it is stuck - its not like there is any rust in there.

Hmm . . . .

[Beej '86 325es]

I'm going to assume you got the retainer plate/washers off first.

Yeah, I used a pipe wrench taking it off, worked like a charm. Hell, I used a pipe wrench to put on the new ones.

Pipe wrenches are the new pink.

[Dave]

I'm going to assume you got the retainer plate/washers off first.

Indeed. Bent them back out of the way. Like I said, the Driver side one came off without too much trouble. This one is just being a bitch.

I'll try the pipe wrench on it.

[redcarbon]

and if the pipe wrench still doesn't work, whack the pipe wrench with a hammer, the impulse may help to loosen it. I got mine off with vise grips. Good luck.

[AdironRider]

I had the same problem with my left tie rod, only for me the lock plate had practically welded itself onto my tie rod making it almost impossible to remove. Just sit back and have a few beers then get back to it. I labored for like 2 hours on my tie rod, got pissed and drank my face off, came back to it and it popped right off in literally seconds. It was wierd but I was just happy to have it finnally off the damn car.

[Dave]

I am going to go at it with a pipe wrench tonight. The vise grips kept slipping.

[Dave]

Any reason I can't just swap out the outer part of the tie rod?

[arsevader]

Any reason I can't just swap out the outer part of the tie rod?

You can buy tie rod ends but the inner tie rod often fails and you can't buy just the inner one.

I'd just keep at it. I use a headset wrench on mine, it's nice and thin and it did the job.

[Dave]

You can buy tie rod ends but the inner tie rod often fails and you can't buy just the inner one.

I'd just keep at it. I use a headset wrench on mine, it's nice and thin and it did the job.

Well, I have a complete one to go on it now. Its just a last resort idea if I cant get it loose.

[AdironRider]

Those Ive been told by the guys at Schneller BMW will be even more of a pain in the ass to remove. (Scotty dont and I asked em when we were ripping apart my whole suspension and were having problems with my tie rod) They said youll need heat most likely. If I were you Id just keep laboring on the whole tie rod assembly.

[Dave]

the plan is - pipe wrench, then heat if needed, and more pipe wrench.

If everything else is new, I want this to be as well.

[arsevader]

the plan is - pipe wrench, then heat if needed, and more pipe wrench.

If everything else is new, I want this to be as well.

Don't think I need to tell you to be super duper careful with heat around the inside of the rack. Too hot and you'll likely pop a seal or cause a leak.

[Dave]

Don't think I need to tell you to be super duper careful with heat around the inside of the rack. Too hot and you'll likely pop a seal or cause a leak.

I knew that - but thanks for posting it - the next guy who does a "search" and finds this might find it useful. That is, if people really do search for these sorts of things.

i was thinking of cranking the wheel so the tie rod is away from the rack a few inches before applying heat.

[PeaveyBassist]

Pipe Wrench. That what I used at home on mine. Also what we use at work to put them on/off. Should get it. Also double check that the lock plate is bent back far enough on both sides so it isnt in the way at all.

Will

[Dave]

pipe wrench was the winnar