Tie Rod Lock Plate

[5Toes]

I cannot for the life of me get the inner tie rods off! Im not even sure if I have lock paltes on, because I cant see them! The tabs that insert into the indents on the steering rack both broke off, and I cannot get these damn tie rods off

I know a picture will help, and I will take one tomorrow

ANy suggestions?

[Balleristic31]

Really need pics to see whats up. is the rack off the car?

[KenC]

It's easiest to bend the washer all the way back off. And DON'T use meyle inner tie rods. I had to modify them a lot to work.

[5Toes]

Ill take pics tomorrow morning.

Rack is on car.

[5Toes]

Well it seems that if the tab has broken off the lock plates... then tie rod should come off? I have put the ball joint as close to the steering rack as possible, and put an adjustable wrench on it, but even with all my force on it it wont budge!

How much force is needed?? maybe some heat would help?

[AndrewBird]

Try a hammer. The shock force helps to break things loose. They will be pretty damn tight on there, or at least they should be.

[KenC]

Are you 100% certain the tab is broken? If you haven't loosened it at all, there's probably still friction force holding it.

[immajackuup]

get yourself a tie rod removal tool.

[KenC]

get yourself a tie rod removal tool.

You obviously didn't read the thread. He doesn't need a ball joint separator.
For the inner tie rods, you just need a wrench.

[KenC]

Use a hammer and chisel to completely bend the lock plates away from the inner tie rod.

What brand replacements do you have? Don't use Meyle... they don't work w/o a lot of modification.

[immajackuup]

You obviously didn't read the thread. He doesn't need a ball joint separator.
For the inner tie rods, you just need a wrench.

You obviously don't know what i'm talking about.

[KenC]

That just takes the place of a wrench. I still don't think he has the lock washer totally out of the way. You can't even tighten the tie rods that much.

[jlevie]

If both tabs are broken off, the inner tie rod may have been off in the past and replaced without using new lock plates. In which case it may have been secured with Locktite. If that fool used red Locktite you may have to use heat to get the tie rod off.

Using heat on the joint is hazardous to the seals in the rack. So extend that side of the rail way to lock. Then use an oxy-acetelyne torch on tie rod end. You need an intense heat source so you can quickly heat the joint without getting the rack shaft so hot. Wrap a wet rag around the rack shaft at the rack to help keep the seals cool.

[5Toes]

Thanks Jlevie. I will take pics and soak in some liquid wrench. We have I believe a propane torch, that should work yeah?

Also, I know this is a noob question, but to raise the motor to get to the passenger control arm 22mm nut, do you only unbolt the bottom nut?

[5Toes]

Any other ideas?