Robert Coats

I'm trying to replace the boots on the power steering rack.

I tried to remove the lower nut (8) on the tie rod end, and it started to loosen, but now the nut and the threaded stud are stuck together and both just turning in the tie rod end! I though the threaded stud was stationary, and should not move?



I tried my impact driver, and nothing. The nut and stud just turn and turn.

What's the trick to getting this nut off?

springer3

Are you sure there is not a hex socket in the end of the stud?

Try heat (trickey because of the nearby rubber, but even a little might help).

If nothing else works, you will need a nut splitter

Robert Coats

Okay, got it.

Wedged the hammer handle between the top of the stud and the strut housing. Put some weight onto the top of the stud, which held it firmly into it's tapered hole. Got the wrench on the bottom nut, and off she came.

I think I'll go ahead and replace the tie-rod ends, as they are off the car now.

Robert Coats

No hex socket. Just a tiny dimple.

The trick was understanding two things (1) The stud is tapered, as is the hole in goes into. (2) The stud must turn freely, or the car would not steer. All I had to do was keep pressure on the top of the stud to hold it enough to loosen the nut.

It would have made more sense if the top of the stud had some flat surfaces or such for a 2nd wrench to grab on. Oh well.