92 LX 3.8L- inner tie rod pin removal

[DeRrTy_DeViLlE]

i cant figure out how to get this out. is there a tool to do this or do i have to just punch this out? and if i do have to punch this out is there a half decent angle to get at it? the chilton "total car care" manual only tells how to remove/replace the tie rod ends and the entire steering rack.

i did manage to get a nail in the bottom outside of the frame but the angle is no good to knock the pin out. the top seems to have room directly above it but i cant find any clearance for a hammer to punch it out. the hammer hits something that is above and to the front of the pin. i dont recall what it was that is in the way and its on the passenger side. i think the drivers side inner tie rod pin is easier to access from the top.

any information would be helpful and i need it asap because i need to get the car back together by tommorow afternoon. please help me fix this.

[shorod]

This pin is just a short aluminum pin, it is not a roll pin that goes all the way through the rack.

I assume you have the special VERY deep socket intended for removing the inner tie rod ends. If not, rent one from the parts store.

Now that you have the deep socket in your possession and a decent ratchet wrench, slide it over the inner tie rod with the bellow removed and unscrew the inner tie rod. It won't take much force to sheer the small aluminum pin off. Once you have the inner tie rod removed, clean out any piece of the pin that may still be in the rack. You can usually get by with a small pick or small needle nose pliers for this, or even a small flat screwdriver to just free the aluminum from the threads. Often times they'll fall right out.

To install the new on, you properly torque the inner tie rod to the rack, get the new pin started in the hole, and use a brass drift / block of wood, etc. to gently tap the new pin in flush.

Good luck!

-Rod

[DeRrTy_DeViLlE]

the new tie rod doesnt have a hole for the pin but it has a hole for a set screw to keep it in place.

so far i cant seem to locate that deep socket. what parts store would have something like this?

[shorod]

Originally Posted by DeRrTy_DeViLlE

the new tie rod doesnt have a hole for the pin but it has a hole for a set screw to keep it in place.

so far i cant seem to locate that deep socket. what parts store would have something like this?

Last time I checked, Autozone had the socket available for rent. Autozone typically has OEM branded tools, so this link part number probably won't be accurate, but it will give you an idea what to ask for and expect to receive.

You can click on the "HiQual Image" text for a larger picture.

http://www.otctools.com/newcatalog/detail.php3?id=941

-Rod

[DeRrTy_DeViLlE]

i got them off the car. it turns out there was no pin but there was just a small dished hole on both sides. i just get enough leverage and a decent wrench because i had bought a short adjustable wrench but that was slipping off. thanks for the help.