1G 1g AWD Inner Tie-Rod and outer tie-rod ends replacement.

In this next step we will be removing a damaged inner tie rod and swapping in new tie rods and tie rods ends even though the are in good condition. I'm waiting on the parts to come in, so for now read this thread (click me) So you can get the steering rack out of the car and on to a more suitable work space.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

Disclaimer stuff: blah blah blah, By following this guideline, you agree not to sue me because you hurt yourself, cause your an idiot. blah blah

Other information: I've heard that you can do this without taking the steering rack out. There is little room I can't imagine getting a screw driver and a hammer in this tight of a spot under the car, frankly I wouldn't have even tried it. This is how I did it. You wanna try and do it your own way. Thats up to you. Wanna see how I did it, move on to the next step.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

First you need to take of the inner most clamp.

You can do this by opening the the pressed tab pictured using a tiny flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers (if your patient). The pictures may look like identical but if you look in the red circle you will one has the both tabs down, the other one has both open.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

Using some pliers stretch the clamp as far as it will go.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

The outer clamp is a standard hose clamp, some pliers and it will come right off.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

Spray the tie rod with some soapy water and slid the power steering boot all the way to tie rod end. The bottom picture is what you will see (on the driver side, the passenger side does not have slotted teeth).

 

[laserspeeddemon]

To remove the tie rod. First you have to push back the bent tabs on the washers. I did this with a screwdriver and a hammer. Light taps is all it needs, the metal is relatively soft.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

... and the other side.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

Now take a LARGE (and I mean large, not sure how large, but I know it's greater then 22 mm) adjustable wrench and adjust snugly to fit on the flat sections of the tie rod (as shown).

 

[laserspeeddemon]

Now take a hammer and smack the wrench. One good smack is ALL it takes.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

You should be able to loosen it with the rest of the way by hand.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

Presto you got them off. Here are the new ones and..... What the?!?! Thats not right!!!!

Ok... so the vendor sent me the wrong part.....

But installation is the same as removal. Here are some other things to remember.

You should get new tie rod washers, I wouldn't recommend reusing the old ones. I will be going to Mitsubishi to get new ones.

My power steering boots were in good condition I will be reusing them, however it is impossible to re use the inner clamps. You will have to get new ones from Mitsubishi or use heavy duty zip ties.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

**Edit** Added 01-APR-2009

I've got a few questions about part numbers for
a) The lock washer and
b) The large clamp on the inner-side of the dust boot.

From CAPS I got these numbers, but the washer in CAPS looks alot larger then it should.
a) MR198986
b) MR198994