Anyone Replaced Inner Tie Rod Ends?

[Ulsterman]

98 3.8 103k miles.
I had a new set of tires fitted but the shop said they wouldn't do an alignment as a tie rod end was bad on the passenger side. Now that I've had a look the outer tie rod end is ok, no movement, but with it disconnected I get a little movement when I pull on the rod itself.
I've never touched inner tie rod ends on any vehicle I've ever owned so was wondering what's involved. My haynes manual makes no mention other than that the rubber boot clamps must be cut off.

[garync1]

There is a problem over time with these which I was told by a trusted dealership.. Good thing mine had no problems and were fine.. It was asked if they found an issue if they could replace. I said no but if they saw a problem let me know..I don't know whats involved in removing them because I never had to.. On my old jeep I had it was as easy as unscrewing them.. My Windstar however I had not even bothered to check yet..

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by Ulsterman

98 3.8 103k miles.
I had a new set of tires fitted but the shop said they wouldn't do an alignment as a tie rod end was bad on the passenger side. Now that I've had a look the outer tie rod end is ok, no movement, but with it disconnected I get a little movement when I pull on the rod itself.
I've never touched inner tie rod ends on any vehicle I've ever owned so was wondering what's involved. My haynes manual makes no mention other than that the rubber boot clamps must be cut off.

Ulsterman

I haven't changed an inner tie rod on a Windstar. However, I have changed them on other vehicles. They are threaded on and are locked with some physical manner. There are tools to R&R them. I used a large chanel lock plyers. The tool goes over the whole inner tie rod and allowing you to remove it from the wheel well.

When you put the new one on, make sure that you get it locked with the crimp or pin so it says put.

I hope this helps....let me know if you need more info.

Dan

[northern piper]

I've replaced them on my 2000. It was overall a pretty easy job but one that must be done properly. Do a search on my username under "my scary experience" I think. If your van is similar to mine, which I think it is, the procedure in a nutshell is as follows:

Jack and support front end, remove tires. Make some reference marks for re-attachment of inner/outer tie rods on current parts. I put a mark on the inner tie rod shaft with a scratchall and measured to the center of the hole in the wheel knuckle. The idea is to have a rough alignment once the new parts are installed to get you to the alignment shop which must be done once you install the tie rods. Remove outer tie rods from the steering knuckle; remove the outer tie rod from the inner. Remove the 2 clamps from the boot which covers the inner tie rod as it connects to the rack. These clamps can be cut off or carefully removed. (I broke both and on reinstall used plastic zip ties.)Remove the rigid tube which connects the 2 boots for air pressure equalization. Once the boot is off you need to turn the steering wheel one direction to expose the rack teeth so that there is a flat surface to grip on. I used a big crescent wrench being careful to not damage the gear surface. There likely will be a pin on the attachment of the inner tie rod to the rack. Remove this pin. Then, using a large crows foot wrench or similar tool (long inner tie rod socket tool etc) break free the old tie rod. Once off, reinstall the new inner tie rod, using loctite and the locking pin. (again reference my scary experience thread). Install the boot and clamps. Install the outer tie rod. (I'd strongly suggest replacing the outer - they're inexpensive and seeing as you're doing the job anyway...). Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Using the marks for rough length determined earlier set the outer tie rod to the proper "best guess" length and tighten the jam nut. Turn the steering wheel to the opposite side and repeat the procedure. Don't forget to connect the 2 boots with the pressure tube. Once buttoned up, get the alignment done!!!

Not discussed here is proper torque which you'll have to find. I used Moog components which seem better and have zerk fittings for adding grease.

Hope this helps!

Piper

[Ulsterman]

Thanks for all of the advice guys. Today I purchased new inner tie rods from my local Ford dealer. There is'nt any sign of a locking device on the threads so they'll be going in with some locktite after reading Piper's scary post earlier.
When I replaced the outer tie rods some time ago with dealer parts, Ford had gone away from the castellated nut and split pin locking mechanism. I checked them again yesterday and they were as tight as the day I put them on.

[northern piper]

how'd the job go?

P

[Ulsterman]

I replaced both inner tie rods yesterday. It was just plain awkward with very limited access for someone with big hands. Getting the clips off the boots without damaging the boots for me was the worst part and I ended up just prying a screwdriver in and deforming them to the point where I could cut with snips.
I couldn't see any pins, clips or other retaining means on the inner tie rods whatsoever and the new dealer parts came with no sign of anything. I removed them with a long 1,5/16 wrench and put them back as tight as I could manage, with locktite on the threads. Getting the little connecting pipe between the boots back on was a real pain.
I haven't got to the shop for an alignment yet but I put it back very close to before and I'd hadn't had any tire wear issues whatsoever in over 40k miles.
I'll get an alignment at the weekend and check the inner tie rods with that wrench after 500 or so miles.
Thanks again for all the help guys, this forum is a superb resource!
Maurice

[LeSabre97mint]

Way cool!

Glad it went well for you!

Dan

[northern piper]

put them back as tight as I could manage, with locktite on the threads.

I hope this was red locktite not the blue. I've learned since the inner tie rod that I installed fell off that Ford doesn't use the locking pin as a mechanical locker on the inner tie rods but does use red locktite (ie: the really tough stuff that doesn't loosen easily).

I just don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else.

Piper