downwinddave

FMS shows rack in vice while inner tie rod replaced.

Can rod be removed/replaced with rack on the car?

How do you secure the rack while (unbolting) removing the inner tie rod?

Mahalo,
Dave in Honolulu

downwinddave

Thanks!

Hot_Dog

I did this on my 90 GXL several years ago. I tried to remove the inner tie rods while the rack was still in the car, but didn't have much luck. IIRC, I also tried the Snap-On tool for removing them with the still in car, but that didn't work either. Finally, I decide to take the rack out and tackle the job. I took the tie rods out by clamping the rack (rod with teeth on one side) in a vice as shown in the FSM. I put a piece of 1/8" aluminum between the vice jaws and the rack. The flat tooth side of the rack will need to be clamped between the jaws otherwise the rack will rotate as you try to loosen the tie rod. You'll need to tighten the vice very tight. I believe that I used a pipe wrench to loosen the tie rod. There is a little pin (about 1/4" long) in there too -- it will pop out slightly as you loosen the tie rod. The most difficult part of the job removing/installing the rack and pinion assemble in the car. Good luck.

Hot_Dog
90 RX7 GXL
02 RSX-S

downwinddave

Thanks, life is never simple!

I have the replacement rod, inner and outer end and the little rolled safety pin to install.

Will try this weekend.

Will post pictures...

downwinddave

Did not come off with rack on the car.

Will try bigger wrench!

downwinddave

SnapOn makes an on the car tie rod remover.

YA 3000A $80. Only problem is it is 33.6 MM and the RX is 24 MM. Going to NAPA.

Looks like a mag light and slides over everything, has adapter to fit over ball and square drive in the end.