Tie Rod from H*ll

[RageCage]

Hi,

I have 2 questions here.

First, why do mechanics want so much money to change tie rods? I've been doing google group searches on tie rods, and people are saying they're being quoted $300 or $400 just to have 2 new outer tie rods installed !! Jeez.

Second : I'm trying to change the outer tie rods on my 85 Caprice to get past inspection. I posted here before about it, and got a bit farther along. I am now at the stage of having gotten the ball joint stud free from the control arm(?), but I can't get the tie rod end to turn inside the threaded adjustment sleeve. Seems like such a simple thing, but no luck so far. I've sprayed it with Liquid Wrench. I've tried a pipe wrench on the tie rod, but it just slips, and you're not supposed to use the pipe wrench on the adjusting sleeve since it might twist it up. I feel like I'm getting into the plumbing trade, with the pipe wrench. I heated the sleeve with a propane torch, but didn't get it glowing red. Didn't help.

The latest idea I heard was to wedge something into the slot in the adjustment sleeve to open it up a bit, and spray some more LW in there, then try it again. What can I use to wedge into the slot? My screwdrivers are too small. I know there's a special tool used for doing the toe alignment that grabs the slotted sleeve, but no parts stores seem to have it. I saw it online, but it was $47 !!

Any ideas appreciated on what I can wedge into the adjustment sleeve slot to spread it, or just ideas in general about how to get the rod out of the sleeve.

Thanks

[PeteA216]

Try using a cetoline torch and get it glowing bright red hot. As for a wedge, try using the chisle end of a small crowbar. Also when you do eventually get it changed, you going to need an alignment. I wnet through brand new tires in a month after changing my tie rods without an alignment.

[silicon212]

I had that happen with my 1988 9C1. Out came the Dremel. Problem solved.

PS Pete means acetylene.

[RageCage]

Thanks for the replies.

Pete, did you try to measure things, or count threads, and still wore out the tires?

Silicon, excuse me for being dense, but how did you solve the tie rod problem with the dremel ?

Rage

[silicon212]

NM I didn't read what you wrote properly. The problem I had was on the tie rod end, the tapered stud turned with the nut and would not allow me to get the nut off. I used a Dremel to cut the nut off.

[bobss396]

First off, measure the centerline distance between the inner and outer tierod ends, use the grease fittings as your reference point.

If you have a good bench vise, take the whole works off, both tierods and the sleeve. Since the adjusting sleeve is non-cooperative, get a new one of those too. Lock the inner rod end in the vise, remove the nut and bolts from the sleeve. Pry open the sleeve with a chisel or big screw driver. It will come off.

When you reassemble it, try to even out the rod engagement in the sleeve. Use never seize (silver stuff from Permatex) on the tie rod threads and sleeve bolts. the alignment guys will love you.

Adjust the centerline distance within 1/16 of an inch and you should be more that close enough, but should get it aligned anyway. Reinstall the rod and sleeve assembly, use new cotter pins and make sure you grease them. A couple of shots with the grease gun is fine.

Bob

[bobss396]

The sleeve tool you are talking about is a special Snapon crowsfoot for a 1/2" ratchet. I have some other hand ones that work well, it has a hook that slides on a shaft, so it is pretty versatile. Lisle or Proto might make it. I was in the front end business for about 7 years and have lots of goodies.

Bob

[mackamitsu]

Originally Posted by bobss396

The sleeve tool you are talking about is a special Snapon crowsfoot for a 1/2" ratchet. I have some other hand ones that work well, it has a hook that slides on a shaft, so it is pretty versatile. Lisle or Proto might make it. I was in the front end business for about 7 years and have lots of goodies.

Bob

Lisle, and mac carry them

here's the lisle link
lisle

here's the mac link

mac

[RageCage]

Originally Posted by mackamitsu

Lisle, and mac carry them

here's the lisle link
lisle

here's the mac link

mac

Thanks. The outer tie rod tool from Lisle looks like the one I want. Not a bad price, at $15, either.