replacing tie rods
#1
replacing tie rods
Is replacing the tie rod ends inner/outer a do it your self job ?
I have tools and a some skills but I get scared when working on something as important as steering, -is this something that I would wish I took to a professional or is it not that bad ?
I have tools and a some skills but I get scared when working on something as important as steering, -is this something that I would wish I took to a professional or is it not that bad ?
#3
Too old to act my age
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Tulsa, Ok.
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is usually pretty easy, as long as you have the right tools. Rent a tie-rod fork if you want to attempt this task. Do not even try to do it without the fork.
When removing the old ends from the center adjuster, count the threads that were coved, and turn the new in the same number of turns. This will not be perfect, but will be close enough to get you to an alignment shop, without wearing your tires too much.
When removing the old ends from the center adjuster, count the threads that were coved, and turn the new in the same number of turns. This will not be perfect, but will be close enough to get you to an alignment shop, without wearing your tires too much.
#5
Censored
iTrader: (14)
The tie rod fork, otherwise known as a "pickle fork" is a relatively simple and inexpensive tool, probably about $20 at the parts store or you could rent one for about $5.00 (I'd buy it). The reason it's called a pickle fork is that it has two tapered prongs (kind of like a pickle fork) that slip on either side of the tie rod joint, then you hammer the handle to drive the tapered fork between the tie rod joint and its mounting hole on the steering linkage to separate the joint.
As Rogue Wolff suggests, if you count the turns on the old tie rods and then reinstall the new ones with the same number of turns your alignment will be pretty close. Doing the final toe in adjustment is really pretty easy and even an amateur can do a perfect job with a little patience.
Get about 30 feet of strong string and tie one end to the tow loop on one side of the front of the car. Put the car on level ground then stretch the string around the back of the car and back up to the front on the other side, so that the string runs along the center of the tire (even with the axle). Then tie the string to the front tow loop on the other side, making sure the string is tightly stretched.
Now you have a perfectly straight line from the back of the car to the front, with the string telling you if the wheels are aligned. Even a very slight misalignment will reveal itself as a gap between the string and the rear edge of the front tires if it is toed out, if it is toed in the string will be pushed out a bit by the back edge of the tires.
You need to adjust the tie rods so that the steering wheel is pointed straight ahead, the string is perfectly straight and there are no gaps between the string and the rear edges of the front tires.
Then when every thing is straight ahead give it about a 1/8" toe in on each side by lengthening the tie rod a bit.
I've been doing this for years with my 7's and other cars before that, works every time if toe in is the only alignment needed.
Ray
As Rogue Wolff suggests, if you count the turns on the old tie rods and then reinstall the new ones with the same number of turns your alignment will be pretty close. Doing the final toe in adjustment is really pretty easy and even an amateur can do a perfect job with a little patience.
Get about 30 feet of strong string and tie one end to the tow loop on one side of the front of the car. Put the car on level ground then stretch the string around the back of the car and back up to the front on the other side, so that the string runs along the center of the tire (even with the axle). Then tie the string to the front tow loop on the other side, making sure the string is tightly stretched.
Now you have a perfectly straight line from the back of the car to the front, with the string telling you if the wheels are aligned. Even a very slight misalignment will reveal itself as a gap between the string and the rear edge of the front tires if it is toed out, if it is toed in the string will be pushed out a bit by the back edge of the tires.
You need to adjust the tie rods so that the steering wheel is pointed straight ahead, the string is perfectly straight and there are no gaps between the string and the rear edges of the front tires.
Then when every thing is straight ahead give it about a 1/8" toe in on each side by lengthening the tie rod a bit.
I've been doing this for years with my 7's and other cars before that, works every time if toe in is the only alignment needed.
Ray
Last edited by ray green; 08-01-06 at 03:17 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
Originally Posted by notveryhappyjack
what would it cost to rent this tie rod fork ? and where ?
thanks
thanks
For tools I would use the Auto Zone loan a tool program. It is pretty cool. You pick out the tools you want they charge you for them in full and when you are done just return them for a full refund.
You will need:
a tie rod separator http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stor..._suspension.htm
and a tie rod end puller? http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stor...specialized.htm
EDIT forgot to add the 5% rock auto code
Here you go
Your discount code is:
457074393460
Here's how to use it:
* In our Java Catalog, enter your code in the "How did you hear about
us" line of the shopping cart.
* In our non-Java Catalog, enter your code in the "Discount Code"
field of the Shopping Cart and click "Calculate Discount."
**NOTE: We sometimes get calls from people who put the word "discount"
in front of their code and do not get the discount. Please enter ONLY
the discount code, no other words or numbers.**
The discount takes 5% off our already-low prices, and there's no limit
on order size or the number of orders. Use the code for your next
order, and share the code with friends, neighbors, relatives, the guy at
the corner garage--anyone you know who works on cars or trucks.
This discount code expires on September 12, 2006; so don't wait!
The total comes to $101.66 after discount with shipping!
Last edited by mbaha; 08-01-06 at 03:40 PM.
#11
Lives on the Forum
Rather than using a pickle fork, I prefer to use a pitman arm remover (small size). I have used both, and the pa remover just works better (plus you don't have to use a hammer)...
#12
Thunder from downunder
iTrader: (1)
Did this a couple of weeks ago, also did ball joints, idler arm bushings, tension rod bushings control arm bushings and sway bar bushings, if its worth doing , its worth doing well, my car is totally transformed.
Ball joint need to be pressed in, I took mine to my local NAPA for this. I bought all parts from Rockauto except delrin idler arm bushing which I lucked out on in here.
Simple job really, just take you time and be careful to double check every bolt is tighted once you finished, then have it aligned prior to any long trips.
Oh, and I use a heavy brass hammer on the ball joints to seperate them from the tie rods, just bang away on the side and they will drop out, I have a pickle fork but the old hammer works great.
Ball joint need to be pressed in, I took mine to my local NAPA for this. I bought all parts from Rockauto except delrin idler arm bushing which I lucked out on in here.
Simple job really, just take you time and be careful to double check every bolt is tighted once you finished, then have it aligned prior to any long trips.
Oh, and I use a heavy brass hammer on the ball joints to seperate them from the tie rods, just bang away on the side and they will drop out, I have a pickle fork but the old hammer works great.
#13
aussie, I couldn't find the tension rod bushings on rockauto page, do you happen to remember what the part number was or could you link me to the page where you order them, I have to put in another order through them soon as they forgot something the first time and would rather only pay shipping once.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeff20B
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
73
09-16-18 07:16 PM