Outer Tie Rod Ends

[mike_gp2008]

Ok, I'm sure a lot of you guys have replaced outer tie rods. How hard is this to do (on an '01 GP)? Did you just bang the rod end out of the steering knuckle with a hammer, or did you have a press tool? Also, should these be done in pairs?

[tblake]

I dont think you want to bang them out. Autozone will have a tool kit for rent that you can use the press them out. Actually mine didn't need to be pressed out, the popped out as I was loosening the nut. Just remember to count the number of turns it takes to get the old ones off and put the new ones on the same amount. Then take it right in for an alignment.

[wafrederick]

If it pops out,you will have to cut the nut with an oxy/acetlyene torch.Put in Moog tie rod ends and stay away from the cheap ones including AutoZone and Advanced.Moog has the best lifetime warranty and they pay for the labor.The cheap ones are the worst ones,the grease fitting breaks easy due to being poorly made,do not take grease very well and fail quickly.

[mike_gp2008]

I'm not sure what you mean by having to cut the nut if the tie rod end pops out.

I checked Autozone's website, and I didn't realize they had the press tool, like the shop manual calls for. It specifcally recommends against using a pickle fork separator.

[wafrederick]

Cut the nut holding ito the spindle in half,the new one comes with a new nut anyway.Pickle forks are a huge no if the tie rod end is still in good shape,you can use a pickel fork if it is junk.I call them "boot rippers" and "Boot destroyers".Smack the side of the spindle about 3 times with a BFH with no damage done to the boot.