2000 inner tie rod

[94&92Astro]

I need to replace inner tie rod on pass side. I do my research on this forum as well as other sources so I know basically what is involved. There are a couple of issues not covered or ansewered here I need some advise/insight to. The stock inner tie rod does not have any notches to get a wrench or special tool onto... It is perfectly round. I tried to get a small pipe wrench onto it but looks like without getting the control arm off and out of the way, there is no way to generate enough torque to break it free. Special tools are useless on the round end. Any tricks here or is it just a case of removing parts until I can bite it and grab it with one of my pipe wrenches.. The replacement does have notches cut all the way around so I will be able to make use of them upon re-install. Also if I'm lucky enough to get a bite at the proper angle I could damage something before breaking the inner tie rod free.. Any helpful advise would be appreciated.

[____]

I have seen inner tie rods that have a rounded outer head section that you cannot fit a wrench on but generally further beyond that it a hex section that is made to fit a wrench. It's probably not visible from that angle you were looking from. Get underneath far enough to see the whole head, I would be surprised if it is truly as you described.

[rhandwor]

I haven't done this particular one but normally you need a big crescent to hold the rack. Otherwise you will damage the seals. Some of them on the back of the round part have a place to put an open end wrench. Lisle makes a special tool. Auto Zone and Advance loan tools. Usually you have to turn the wheel to get it into position to work on it. If you have the rack held solid and a pipe wrench on the round part if holding both wrenchs it only takes a quarter turn to get it loose enough to use channel locks. I'm sure a tool is available as they want you to take it to the dealer.
You have to take the rubber off to get to the rack and the inner tie rod. Be careful and don't damage it.
A rebuild rack is also available.

[94&92Astro]

Originally Posted by ____

I have seen inner tie rods that have a rounded outer head section that you cannot fit a wrench on but generally further beyond that it a hex section that is made to fit a wrench. It's probably not visible from that angle you were looking from. Get underneath far enough to see the whole head, I would be surprised if it is truly as you described.

yea it should have a hex- surprised the hell out of me too. I was intertwined in this thing, desparate to find the angle I needed for a little tork - after a couple of hours and sunlight getting scarce I decided to get another gameplan--either another tool or removal of control arm. I am not the first to report a round hexless head on this forum, but I will examine it carefully and report back to ya on that.. Thanks to both you guys for the pointers--the backup cresent wrench is something shadetrees like me discover only after they break something--good info... I got my butt kicked in round 1 --Round two this weekend! Thanks a million as I will report the outcome soon.

[rhandwor]

Go to http://www.autopart.com/TOOLS/TOOLSMAIN/tool/T_4009.htm The normal tool would like this. Something is unusual as it would need a tool to both take it off and install it. Let us know what you find?