tie rods
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
tie rods
at the shop the other day getting an oil change...the mechanic there said my inner right tie rod in bad shape (loose)...it seems like a fairly basic repair.....anything a guy should know, special tools, etc?? would u guys repair all four or just go with the one??
97 F250 LD....4x4...4.6L....
97 F250 LD....4x4...4.6L....
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
He probably meant the tie rod end, otherwise known as a ball joint. Here is a picture of one, just in case you need it:
(it is attached at the Pitman Arm.)
Anyway, they are easy to replace....you simply loosen the castel nut just past the threads of the bolt, then hit the top of the castle nut until the rod end comes out. Then it unscrews from the tie rod. You can also use a tie rod end puller ("pickle fork") and that will also pop out the TRE. Then you thread on the new TRE and install....dont forget the cotter pin in the castel nut.
As for which to repair, if you have the time and $$ do them all, but that can get quite expensive and time consuming.
(it is attached at the Pitman Arm.)
Anyway, they are easy to replace....you simply loosen the castel nut just past the threads of the bolt, then hit the top of the castle nut until the rod end comes out. Then it unscrews from the tie rod. You can also use a tie rod end puller ("pickle fork") and that will also pop out the TRE. Then you thread on the new TRE and install....dont forget the cotter pin in the castel nut.
As for which to repair, if you have the time and $$ do them all, but that can get quite expensive and time consuming.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
If you're going to change it yourself make sure that carefully measure the length of the tie rod so you can get the new one exactly the same so your toe-in is right.
You can also count the number of turns to remove the old one and turn the new one in the same and then measure again.
After replacing it you should have the alignment checked or at least check the toe-in.
If just 1 is worn I would just replace the 1. If there is any question as to the condition of the others then it wouldnt hurt to replace them too.
You can also count the number of turns to remove the old one and turn the new one in the same and then measure again.
After replacing it you should have the alignment checked or at least check the toe-in.
If just 1 is worn I would just replace the 1. If there is any question as to the condition of the others then it wouldnt hurt to replace them too.
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