replacing tie rod ends
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: 5 acre Hobby Farm
replacing tie rod ends
My 1995 AWD has developed a pretty good front end shake. I'm thinking it's tie rod ends. How hard is it to replace the tie rod ends? Can this be done with normal tools? Anyone have any advice or procedure for the newbie?
TIA,
Gary
TIA,
Gary
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
replacing tie rod ends
Actually very easy to replace.
Loosen the large lock nut on the threaded tie rod, then screw it back against the tie rod finger tight only. Mark this location on the threads with paint or tape.
Remove the cotter pin, unscrew the tie rod end retainer nut and replace with the castellated end first, until bottom of the nut and the threaded end of tie rod are even. Use two good sized hammers, placing one behind the section of the steering knuckle the tie rod end passes through. While holding this hammer tight against the knuckle, give the opposite side of the knuckle a good whack with the other hammer. Generally, the tie rod will then loosen easily when given a whack on the reversed retainer nut. (A pickle or separator fork will also work if you have one around. Keep the retainer nut loosely fastened as the tie rod often separates with considerable force when using the pickle fork.)
Leaving the lock nut in place, unscrew the old tie rod end and screw the new on up to the lock nut. Make sure the previously placed markings align. NOTE: This will allow you to drive to the alignment shop but you will definitely need to an alignment done afterwards. No matter how carefully you try to replace the tie rod end, it is ALWAYS slightly out of alignment due to wear on the old ends.
(BTW, warped rotors will also induce front end shimmy, but you will also feel it in the brake pedal as well. Worn tie rods are felt in the steering wheel only.)
Loosen the large lock nut on the threaded tie rod, then screw it back against the tie rod finger tight only. Mark this location on the threads with paint or tape.
Remove the cotter pin, unscrew the tie rod end retainer nut and replace with the castellated end first, until bottom of the nut and the threaded end of tie rod are even. Use two good sized hammers, placing one behind the section of the steering knuckle the tie rod end passes through. While holding this hammer tight against the knuckle, give the opposite side of the knuckle a good whack with the other hammer. Generally, the tie rod will then loosen easily when given a whack on the reversed retainer nut. (A pickle or separator fork will also work if you have one around. Keep the retainer nut loosely fastened as the tie rod often separates with considerable force when using the pickle fork.)
Leaving the lock nut in place, unscrew the old tie rod end and screw the new on up to the lock nut. Make sure the previously placed markings align. NOTE: This will allow you to drive to the alignment shop but you will definitely need to an alignment done afterwards. No matter how carefully you try to replace the tie rod end, it is ALWAYS slightly out of alignment due to wear on the old ends.
(BTW, warped rotors will also induce front end shimmy, but you will also feel it in the brake pedal as well. Worn tie rods are felt in the steering wheel only.)
Last edited by aerocolorado; Jul 1, 2003 at 10:47 AM.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 33
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From: 5 acre Hobby Farm
replacing tie rod ends
aerocolorado, thanks! I was a little worried when a shop quoted me 6 hours labor ... I could see that much time for replacing the ball joints, but not the tie rod ends.
You help is much appreciated.
Gary
You help is much appreciated.
Gary
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: laurel springs NJ
replacing tie rod ends
Did this one in the driveway on a Sunday afternoon. Not dificult at all. Just follow Aeroc.'s instuctions up above and you won't have any problems...... And if you do run into a snag, this is the best place to get your "snag unsnaggled!"
reever
reever
