Changing tie-rods on 2000 Focus

[94&92Astro]

I have read several Ford Forums on changing the tie rods and seems most of the inner ends can be manhandled using a special tool with 1 5/16 socket-end on it. The ones I am trying to remove are round and it just don't seem possible without extracting the whole damn steering unit! Has anyone encountered anything that looks like this!

[94&92Astro]

I guess not-- going to try to remove control arm so I can get a little torq using a pipe wrench--going to check for any lock pins which may or may not be there--Can't worry too much about breaking something it's already a yard ornament due to this tie-rod being bent like a horseshoe.--Can't imagine what my girlfriend has against potholes and curbs as each and everyone has felt the wrath of her right front tire.

[94&92Astro]

Originally Posted by 94&92Astro

I guess not-- going to try to remove control arm so I can get a little torq using a pipe wrench--going to check for any lock pins which may or may not be there--Can't worry too much about breaking something it's already a yard ornament due to this tie-rod being bent like a horseshoe.--Can't imagine what my girlfriend has against potholes and curbs as each and everyone has felt the wrath of her right front tire.

These round inner tie-rod ends are a PIA, but I did manage to get it off without too much difficulty. I soaked the threads with a high-quality penetrating oil for a full day and removed the control arm so I could get some torq on the pipewrench I used to remove it. One quick jerk and it popped free and then just put everything back on like I found it. I plan on getting a front end alignment before putting it back in service.

[tstaple1]

I pulled them off of my focus a few months back. My haynes gave me the same nonsense about a special tool...that tool ended up being a 4' piece of pipe and a 2x4 and a lot of pressure! Good luck!

[94&92Astro]

Originally Posted by tstaple1

I pulled them off of my focus a few months back. My haynes gave me the same nonsense about a special tool...that tool ended up being a 4' piece of pipe and a 2x4 and a lot of pressure! Good luck!

I hear ya-- I got a fabricated tool from a Ford Mechanic which was useful putting the new one back on--The replacement has notches that make it much easier to deal with in the future---however, in my case the car will be sold for scrap metal before that thing has to be dealt with again.