Tie-rod tools

[jonmon6691]

Hey guys, I just finished some front suspension work on the car (the Powerflex poly CABs are wonderful btw) but I realized my tie rod ends are lose and I'll need to replace them. I've never done this job before but I've done a little reading on it. Pelican parts has a nice suspension write up that includes tie rod replacement, and they mention a tool used for removing and re-installing the tie rods from the steering rack. Since I really don't want to remove the rack to do this job (they put the whole thing in a vice and used a pipe wrench), I was wondering if anyone had some experience with this job and if you could tell me what kinds of tools you did/didn't need. Any pro-tips would be appreicated as well

[E30_fiend]

the most you will need is a giant set of channel locks so you can get some leverage on the inner tie rod "nut" as well as either a pickle fork or a ball joint press to remove tie rod's ball joint on the strut. There is also this tricky little bent washer on the inner ball joint that keeps the tie rod from unscrewing. You will need to bend the bent tabs straight again in order to get he washer off. I used a combination of the large channel locks and a hammer and chisel. You can reuse the washers but its not recommended because they become a bit brittle after they are bent back again.

Part #3


good luck. oh and the clamps you have to cut to take the boots off, I don't use new ones I just use some good zip ties and get them nice and tight. Or use hose clamps. Its your decision.


Taylor'

[nando]

go to harbor freight, buy the 3/4" ball joint press for like $9. it's worth every penny.

[jonmon6691]

the most you will need is a giant set of channel locks so you can get some leverage on the inner tie rod "nut"

What part is it on that diagram?

go to harbor freight, buy the 3/4" ball joint press for like $9. it's worth every penny.

Are you talking about this guy?

Is it significantly better than a pickle fork or a hammer to the strut?

[cholyoke]

I used that harbor freight press to get the ball joints out. Great tool.

[nando]

Pickle forks damage the boots, hammers mushroom the stud or the nut.

[jonmon6691]

Pickle forks damage the boots, hammers mushroom the stud or the nut.

I'd be replacing them with the new tie rod assembly, but I think I will get a puller anyway. I don't like the idea of hammering on suspension even if it is through a pickle fork.

[E30_fiend]

What part is it on that in the diagram?

It isnt actually denoted as a part number bit its that big round part of the inner tie rod that has the threads coming out of it. Its the next piece in line to the right of part number 3.


Taylor

[jonmon6691]

It isnt actually denoted as a part number bit its that big round part of the inner tie rod that has the threads coming out of it. Its the next piece in line to the right of part number 3.


Taylor

Ohh, and so the channel locks use that flat part that the lock plate bends into as leverage to turn it right?

[capitoljake13]

Ohh, and so the channel locks use that flat part that the lock plate bends into as leverage to turn it right?

That's a good spot to grab it, yes. The last new set of tie-rods I put on actually had a square end and the locking washer is bent over all four sides.

I've had some painful experiences removing the joints. If I were replacing them anyway I'd save some time by putting some support under the strut and pounding them out with a 4 lb hammer.