FTO AUSTRALIA

How do you get the damn tie rod ends off.

Am i missing something simple, or are they just a pain in the arse?

See the square section on the end of the steering arm? Get a big f**k off shifter onto that. Hold it, then crack the nut up against the tie rod end with a ring spanner (17mm from memory.) The tie rod will then just twist off.

Yeah, i've got it off the rod. I can't get the bugger off the other end. Feels like it's rusted in place.

The steel cup on it will have a washer folder over it to stop it unwinding.

You'll need to get under the car, cut the boot & bash the washer off. The whole lot will then twist off..

sorry, i must be callimg it the wrong thing.

I'd show you but can't upload image.

I'm replacing the steering rack rod ENDS. The part that connects to wheel assembly. It's already disconnected
from the rod.

It's sitting on your bench under the arrow in your photo.

these

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2-OUTER-TIE-ROD- ... 2a02915525

Doobs wrote:sorry, i must be callimg it the wrong thing.

I'd show you but can't upload image.

I'm replacing the steering rack rod ENDS. The part that connects to wheel assembly. It's already disconnected
from the rod.

It's sitting on your bench under the arrow in your photo.

these

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2-OUTER-TIE-ROD- ... 2a02915525

lol, yeah ok, then refer back to this:

Bennoz wrote:See the square section on the end of the steering arm? Get a big f**k off shifter onto that. Hold it, then crack the nut up against the tie rod end with a ring spanner (17mm from memory.) The tie rod will then just twist off.

Obviously lost in translation.

I'll just have to drill the f**kers out.

ah you mean the end connected to the hub assembly?

usually I remove this before undoing rack end from tie rod,

undo the nut which has a split pin through it, then with a hammer tap around the part of the hub which connects to rack end ball joint it should then free up so you can remove.

reversal to put back together but if bolt in rack end ball joint spins you made need to put a small amount of pressure on it via a lever something to prevent spinning and do up new nut tight

Remember to count the turns as you remove from tie rod and replace new ones with same amount then get wheel alignment done

That's fine in theory. But i've been bashing the sh*t out of it and it won't budge.

Thanks anyway.

I'll try and get a small sledgehammer on my next day off.

out of the hub or the bolt? bashing bolt doesnt always work infact can damage bolt hole on hub and yes you need a heavier hammer than standard one.

Ive done an uncountable amount of these and never had a major issue

Invest a couple of bucks in a ball joint remover, it's well worth the cash.

Or - the ball joint sits in a tapered hole. Instead of hitting it down the way to force it out, which damages the ends and can put unnecesary pressure on the hub, get two hammers and hit where it sits in the hub from each side. This knocks it down because of the taper.

Bill

ball joint splitter or bash the f**k out of it with a hammer till it pops out normal hammer is fine if you wanna do it that way, you have to give it a really good knock though

Yeah. The problem i'm having is not enough room between the ground and
the bolt to get a big swing with the hammer.

I'm soaking it in Liqui Moly bolt loosener. I'll have another go on tuesday.

I'll just have to drive the sky.line til then.

nooo dont hit the bolt... you wanna hit the side of the tie rod, this loosens it up from the hole and it will just pop out

id still recommend going down to autobarn and getting a ball joint splitter for $10

It's ok. I'm replacing them so doesn't matter if they get damaged.

My bad.

Easiest way is with a ball joint splitter as mentioned:



Cheap from most auto shops.

It's ok Ben, i figured you were getting your B'day drink on.

I'll head over to Supershit Auto when i get a chance.

It's been a hazy few days

Finally got some time to get this sorted out. Bought a Ball Joint - Tie Rod separator
from Supercheap.

Made the job much easier, they let go with a bang.

Thanks for everybody's help.