Inner Tie Rod Removal
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 475
Likes: 42
From: Las Vegas, NV
Inner Tie Rod Removal
I’m starting my suspension and steering refresh and having a problem with removing the Inner Tie Rods.
I’m following the directions from this Rennlist article.
But, I’m having trouble getting enough leverage with the two wrenches to break the tie rod loose. The Tie Rods are probably original to the car and with the car being on jack stands and the small amount of room under the car I can’t loosen it, or I’m just plan weak.
So, does the end of the steering rack have to be held(as per the article)? This would allow me to get a better angle to loosen the tie rod.
And, does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove them, all ideas are welcome.
On a side note, I’m trying to remove the Inner Tie Rod with the Outer Tie Rod attached to the Inner, but removed from the hub. This way I’ll be able to get a length measurement for the new Tie Rods. This way the toe will be close so I can drive to get a alignment.
Thanks
I’m following the directions from this Rennlist article.
But, I’m having trouble getting enough leverage with the two wrenches to break the tie rod loose. The Tie Rods are probably original to the car and with the car being on jack stands and the small amount of room under the car I can’t loosen it, or I’m just plan weak.
So, does the end of the steering rack have to be held(as per the article)? This would allow me to get a better angle to loosen the tie rod.
And, does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove them, all ideas are welcome.
On a side note, I’m trying to remove the Inner Tie Rod with the Outer Tie Rod attached to the Inner, but removed from the hub. This way I’ll be able to get a length measurement for the new Tie Rods. This way the toe will be close so I can drive to get a alignment.
Thanks
Last edited by CabrioArtie; Aug 7, 2021 at 03:30 AM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 142
From: CT.
I just did this myself a few weeks ago. You definitely want to hold the nut on the steer rack. Mine wasn't too bad (also on jack stands).
Just put the 2 wrenches on with an inch or 2 between & squeeze them together.
I'm not sure if any other tips to help
Just put the 2 wrenches on with an inch or 2 between & squeeze them together.
I'm not sure if any other tips to help
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,598
Likes: 2,048
From: Dallas, TX
Hi Artie,
--Two wrenches on the two wrench pads, one on the rack shaft the other on the tie rod end ball.
-- Put them close together as GAV says above.
--If you need to add force put a C-Clamp where your hands go on the ends of the wrenches and use it like a vice pressing the two wrenches together to break things loose,
--Make sure you are positioning the wrenches correctly so you are loosening them and not tightening them.
My wrenches are a little bit longer making for a bit more leverage.
--Never ever put any twisting force on the rack by using the rack housing as a holding point, it will damage the rack.
Good luck with this,
Andy
--Two wrenches on the two wrench pads, one on the rack shaft the other on the tie rod end ball.
-- Put them close together as GAV says above.
--If you need to add force put a C-Clamp where your hands go on the ends of the wrenches and use it like a vice pressing the two wrenches together to break things loose,
--Make sure you are positioning the wrenches correctly so you are loosening them and not tightening them.
My wrenches are a little bit longer making for a bit more leverage.
--Never ever put any twisting force on the rack by using the rack housing as a holding point, it will damage the rack.
Good luck with this,
Andy
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 55
Likes: 6
From: Mukwonago, WI
As previously mentioned a clamp works great, I prefer to use a small woodworking squeeze clamp as their shape allows the wrenches to find a resting place. Make that you use the shape of the wrenches to complement what you are trying to achieve. Position the wrenches an inch or two apart, all you are trying to do is break it loose. Please wear your safety glasses!! Best of luck.
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 475
Likes: 42
From: Las Vegas, NV
Thanks for all the responses, I went out and purchased some longer wrenches and will try again this evening. Too hot during the daytime in my garage.
I'll let you know how it goes.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 339
From: Santa Cruz, CA
Soak in penetrating oil for an hour before you start.
if that doesn’t work, some heat might.
or if you can wedge one spanner against the ground (or a block) then whack the other with a blunt object
if that doesn’t work, some heat might.
or if you can wedge one spanner against the ground (or a block) then whack the other with a blunt object
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 475
Likes: 42
From: Las Vegas, NV
Thanks everyone, was able to get both Tie Rods off tonight.
These were on really tight, must be due to their age, ultimately I had to use a very long wrench in combination with a half sized breaker bar with a crowfoot wrench on the end.
Now on to the next task, hopefully easier than this was
These were on really tight, must be due to their age, ultimately I had to use a very long wrench in combination with a half sized breaker bar with a crowfoot wrench on the end.
Now on to the next task, hopefully easier than this was
