I'm replacing the tie rod ends on my '81 GSL and I haven't done it before, I was just wondering if anyone has done it before and might be able to give me a walkthrough, pictures would be appreciated too... thanks

 

About the hardest part is seperating the tie-rod ends from the knuckle arm and steering link. The Haynes manual says to use a puller but I believe it's much easier to use a pickle fork. The rest should be pretty obvious.

 

revhed you can use a ballpeen hammer or like a 3lb maul hammer and rap the edges of the tie-rod. it shakes them enough to loosen them up and you don't have to buy-rent any tools to pry them apart.

also get yourself a can of PB-Buster (penetrating oil) or access to an oxy-acet torch to get those puppies loose.

 

Put anti-seize on em when you reassemble them. Your alignment technicians for the next 10 years will thank you, and so will you when you need to replace them again.

(On the threaded rod part. Not the tapered part that goes into the knuckle...)

 

Nice many variations. I just finished installing my inner and outer tie rods. I loosen the bolt all the way up till the threads are inside the bolt, then I wack it hard with a hammer.

 

I always liked pickle forks, an elegant design and not an expensive tool. Now how are you going to align it afterwards?

Ray

 

before you start messing with the steering stuff, measure the gap between the inner and outer tie rod ends, then transfer that to the new ones. IF not, you will need to use the two rear rims. it just makes it easier to steer the car IF the nearest alignment shop more than 1/2 hr away.