Tie Rod End (Inners & Outers) Replacement

[FoXracing82085]

I recently took my vehicle to get the front end alignment. Guy at the alignment shop told me that I could not get the alignment done due to an inner tie rod being bad. He then showed me that the driver side front wheel had a little play in it. So I decided to go ahead and buy both tie rod end inners and outers for both driver and passenger side, might as well replace all. I searched the forums but found no result of what I am about to ask.

How hard is it to change out the tie rod end inners and outers yourself and how do you change them out? I'd rather find out the difficulty so if this turns out easy I don't have to spend $200 plus.

 

[dsmtun3r98gst]

Well before you take out the old tie rod end you must mark the exact spot into which the old one was at and that you can give the same amount of turns putting it in that you did taking it out. Shouldn't be that hard to take out with the basic tools.

Even if you mess up with the turns im sure the guy at the alignment shop should be able to correct if for you cus after all that is the reason you are taking it to them.

May I ask where is it that you bout your tie rod ends at?

 

[FoXracing82085]

Sure thing, I bought the tie rod end inner and outer for both driver and passenger side at Advance Auto Parts.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

Doing the outers is easy. Pop the ball joint with a pickle fork or better jet a ball joint tool. Damaging the joint though is of little concern in this case so the pickle fork will work dandy. Next grab your wrench to hold the rod still while you crank off the outer end.
Reverse the procedure for install.

I've found that different brands have different shapes and body lengths. Marking your threads or counting your threads to ensure you end up with a similar alignment may or may not pay off. It will not pay off if you purchase Moog joints. But we're getting an alignment anyhow so what's the biggie!

As for the inners, well some have had better luck, but many end up pretty frustrated. If I was taking it in for an alignment I might just get them to do the inners for me while they had the car on the rack.

 

[And_44]

Its pretty easy changing the tie rods. A pickle fork pry bar helps ALOT to remove the outer tie rod ends from the hub. And if you have an 1 and 1/4 inch wrench for the inner that helps, but a pair of channel locks or renting the actual inner tie rod removal tool helps too.

The hub I've heard can be a pain if its rusty and every post I've read they do it differently, but if you are mechanically inclined it shouldnt be a problem. Just make sure you have a ride to get to and from a parts store or harbour frieght to buy/rent tools. Renting the tools helped ALOT when I did the tie rods.

Just make sure you thread on the new ones the same amount as old ones. Also, be gentle on the boots/bellows, they aint cheap 17.99 at napa up to 45 at satan. Schucks though price matches and usually has alot of parts in stock.

GL and make sure you secure your vehicle safely and securely.

 

[MrTrout]

I replaced the outer tie rods by myself and they were pretty easy except one was a little hard, so I got a tie rod removal tool and that made it easier than cake.

And not to steel the thread, but I am thinking I need to replace the inner tie rods cause I'm getting a very bad sequel every time I turn my wheels. Is there a tool specially designed for inner tie rod ends too?

 

[BIRDCLAWTSi]

First break loose the packing nut that holds the inner and outer from turning,

Remove the nut from the outer, Smack the knuckle(Where the tie rod is) with a hammer until it pops,

Spin the outer off, Counting the turns.

The inner usually requiers an inner tie rod tool, But I use a pipe wrench most of the time, Some times I will put a pipe on it to get more leverage. Turn the wheel you are working on so the inner is all the way out, There is usually some type of locking tabs on the back of the inner, Sometimes they are lok-tited on. I wil usually apply lok-tite to the new one as well.

As for the boot, You can use zip ties to keep the inside of the boot to the rack. The out side , Just re-use the clamps that are on there.

You will still need an alignment at the end 90% of the time.

It is easy. It takes me 20 minutes a side, Unless it's an audi, Thats a cat of a different color.

 

[FoXracing82085]

Wow! I really appreciate the very detailed responses! And I did purchase some jack stands a while back so no problem on making the vehicle safe and secure. Thanks again for the responses. I'm sure I'll see more. I'll post again once I have completed this task!

 

[jmartinez1228]

Having a haynes manual doesnt hurt either. If you picked up the inner and outer tie rod removal tools you shouldnt have much of a problem then. Just make sure you do it right the first time.

 

[And_44]

yea, audi and vw are pina's. So are the CV axles. Those Europeans had to create work for the local economy by creating and using those weird fastners/hardware.

 

[BIRDCLAWTSi]

yea, audi and vw are pina's. So are the CV axles. Those Europeans had to create work for the local economy by creating and using those weird fastners/hardware.

They are always siezed. And the tripple squares for axle hardware was a bright idea too. Fun Fun.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I replaced the outer tie rods by myself and they were pretty easy except one was a little hard, so I got a tie rod removal tool and that made it easier than cake.

And not to steel the thread, but I am thinking I need to replace the inner tie rods cause I'm getting a very bad sequel every time I turn my wheels. Is there a tool specially designed for inner tie rod ends too?

I would inspect your PS pump/belt/fluid before tackling a "squeeling" inner tie rod.

 

[Wrecklezz1]

Hi guys i am looking to do the same job on my 2gb, what are the torque specs on the removal and installation of the inner and outer tie rod ends