Inner Tie Rod Replacement...

[initialRES]

WHAT A PITA!!! I just changed my passenger side tie rod tonight and it took damn near 3 hours. First getting the old tie rod end out took about 30 mins. We smacked the dogshit out of it for a while and soaked it in PB blaster but it wouldn't come off. I even went to try to rent a tie rod puller but the stores were all closed (its sunday). Anyway, after finally prying it out, I was able to get it off. But then putting the boot back on is where the real pain started. The band clamp that holds the boot on at the inner tie rod, would not go on. I tried and tried and even tried bending it, but it wouldn't go on.

So heres the point to this entire thread. For those of you that do this, toss that POS band clamp away and just use one of those screw clamps, the ones they use to hold stock intercooler piping on. It takes about 3 seconds to get on and then you're done.

I know this thread seems pointless, but if someone had mentioned to me to use a different clamp it would have saved me a lot of time spent trying to squeeze that band clamp.

 

[importboost]

thanks for the info man i need to do both of mine soon. i just got mine and noticed it when i had it on a lift at work.

 

[daveyfx]

Ouch. Horror stories like that are never good to hear. Did you get the other inner as well? When one side is out, the other side is usually on its way out as well.

 

[initialRES]

No, I just did one side. The other is still fine, but yea I am watching for it to go out. I'm just happy it is done. Its kinda scary when you know that there is a ticking time bomb on your car and at any minute it could go out sending you off the road. As much work as it was, it puts my mind at ease.

A quick question, I got a Moog replacement and it is one that you can grease. How often should I do that? If ever... I know the stock ones didn't need grease so I'm wondering how often this will.

 

[daveyfx]

Moog makes the Mitsu OEM tie rods, yes? I don't think you'll ever have a need to grease those puppies up. It's good to have them greased up initially (should have come pre-greased).

 

[WhiteTsiAwd]

Well this makes me feel all better seeing as how im fixing to replace my whole P/S rack and tie rod ends along with it.

But ya, you shouldnt need to grease them. If they did not come pre-greased, then dont worry about greasing them period. They should be fine.