installing new tie rods... how hard is this?
installing new tie rods... how hard is this? I will be installing new tie rods on my camaro, as well as new front shocks. how hard are the tie rods to do and does anyone have any kind of pointers for me? never done tie rods before. thanks
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Really easy. Buy a pickle fork tool. Loosen the nut on the top of the tie rod end, but dont remove the nut. Jam the pickle fork between the spindle and the tie rod end, and lean on it like you are trying to pry it out. (it wont come out, but put tension on it) Take a big ball peen hammer and while you are leaning on the pickle fork, give the nut a sharp rap with the hammer. You wont hurt anything, and you may have to hit it 2 or 3 times, but it will POP loose. Then you can just remove it. Try and put the new one on with the same number of threads exposed. Do both sides, then get the front end aligned. (you need to have the toe-in check or you will eat your tires..)
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 503
Likes: 54
From: TX
Easiest way.
With the wheel off, loosen the stop nut on the inner tie rod end(steering rack side)just enough so its loose. Next loosen the nut that holds the tie rod end to the spindle and turn it so its flush with the tip of the tie rod. Hit the nut with a hammer and it should pop loose from the spindle. Once the old tie rod is free unscrew it, next install provided grease fitting onto new tie rod. Then thread new tie rod up to the where the stop nut is on the inner tie rod and tighten it against the new tie rod. Now tighten the new nut and tie rod onto the spindle and install cotter pin. Drive to alignment shop and make sure the grease the new tie rods.
With the wheel off, loosen the stop nut on the inner tie rod end(steering rack side)just enough so its loose. Next loosen the nut that holds the tie rod end to the spindle and turn it so its flush with the tip of the tie rod. Hit the nut with a hammer and it should pop loose from the spindle. Once the old tie rod is free unscrew it, next install provided grease fitting onto new tie rod. Then thread new tie rod up to the where the stop nut is on the inner tie rod and tighten it against the new tie rod. Now tighten the new nut and tie rod onto the spindle and install cotter pin. Drive to alignment shop and make sure the grease the new tie rods.
