Inner tie rod ends

[redheddude222]

I know this isn't technically a suspension issue, but I figured this was the closest place to post this. Mods, feel free to move this if it isn't in the appropriate section.

My inner tie rod on the driver side is bad, so I have two new ones on order. Has anyone ever replaced them with the rack in the car? Will I need any special tools, or can I do it with just a wrench? I'm hoping to replace them this weekend since it's supposed to be warm.

[crazycanadian]

They aren't hard to do in the car... You have to take the outter tie rod off and the nut off to get the boot off.. leave your steering wheel unlocked so that you can turn the wheel and extend the rack to get at the inner tie rod easier... There is a special tool for undoing the tie rod, but usually if you have a large set of channel locks you can use them to get it loose and take it off.. Use a little anti sieze on the threads for the outer tie rod when you put it back together.. This will help the alignment shop later on...

Before you pull it all apart measure the length from the center of the outer tie rod to where the inner tie rod bolts up... Use this measurement to set the length of everything when you install the new inner tie rod... This will help keep your alignment close enough so that you can drive the car down to the alignment shop and not have to worry about anything..

[Ace]

^hit the nail on the head. It's a pretty simple straight forward job. A inner tie rod tool will make life a lot easier though.
theres this one

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-45750-Inner-Tie-Tool/dp/B0002SRGFW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362576430&sr=8-1&keywords=inner+tie+rod+tool

and this one, (I've never used this style so I can't speak for how well they work

http://www.amazon.com/Cal-Van-Tools-946-Profile-Inner/dp/B0066PI154/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362576430&sr=8-3&keywords=inner+tie+rod+tool

[redheddude222]

Thanks guys!

[Mazda_Powered]

I replaced my first set in my 626, took me 25 minutes the one side, then about 10 the next side lol. Once you've done it once, it's pretty easy to get the hang of with the "sleeve" tool that was mentioned above.

Just make sure you have the tool seating properly on the back of the inner tie rod ball or you won't get very far lol.

If you need to put some power down I've used a car jack to help keep the ratchet/breaker bar arm supported while I get into it.

[M323GTR]

Yea i own the lisle sleeve tool it pretty much paid for itself you can also rent the tool at advance pep boys or autozone

[redheddude222]

How did you guys get the boots off? I couldn't figure out how to undo the wire tie that holds the inner part of it. I tried taking out the battery and tray, but I still couldn't get to it with anything.

[M323GTR]

I just teisted it til it broke with a pair of pliers from the wheel well its a tight fit but very doable

[Ace]

It's like a bread tie, just twists off

[crazycanadian]

I usually cut them off... or break the off some how... When I put it back together I just use zap straps..

[redheddude222]

Hmmm. My issue is that I can't fit anything in there to it. I can grab it with the very tip of my needle nose pliers, but there isn't enough space to twist them.

I just called a few local shops to see what it would cost to have them replaced. $450 was the cheapest quote I got, and no shop will use my parts. Looks like I'll be pulling the rack this weekend.

[pirite]

oh dear lord. dont pull the rack just to do inner tie rods.
just snip the wire off or use a long pry bar and a hammer to break the wire/strap holding the boot onto the rack.
and please please PLEASE use locktight on the threads for the inner when you install the new one (blue so its not a permanent bond). ive seen too many horrors of inners unscrewing themselves and falling out.

[Mikey27]

oh dear lord. dont pull the rack just to do inner tie rods.
just snip the wire off or use a long pry bar and a hammer to break the wire/strap holding the boot onto the rack.
and please please PLEASE use locktight on the threads for the inner when you install the new one (blue so its not a permanent bond). ive seen too many horrors of inners unscrewing themselves and falling out.

+1

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[redheddude222]

I got the boot off, only to discover that the rack itself is what's loose. Hopefully rockauto will let me return wholesaler close out parts.