replacing inner tie rod ends on a vp

[rileyp]

Hi all
How are the tie rod balls attached to the rack ends?
Do they just bolt on or are they swaged?
Can it be done without removing the rack under the car in shed with trolley jack/stands or do I need special tools?
Many thanks
Rileyp

[Lost_Pete]

The tie rod ball joints are screwed onto the rack ends. There is a locking nut (22mm) as well. They are attach to the hub with a tapered pin, nut and split pin.

They can be changed using a jack, stand (think safety) spanners and a big hammer or ball joint splitter thingie.

You might want to change your steering rack boots at the same time if they are getting old.

[PaRaDoX]

the locking nut should also be undone with a pipe wrench...

[vnv8driver]

inner tierods, you mean inner steering arm? if so unbolt the tierod end and it will simply pull out if its stuffed... liquid nails will get you around for a few months with no dramas until you het another replacement item and wheel alignment.

[rileyp]

inner tierods, you mean inner steering arm? if so unbolt the tierod end and it will simply pull out if its stuffed... liquid nails will get you around for a few months with no dramas until you het another replacement item and wheel alignment.

I mean the tie rods complete with inner ball and socket underneath the rack boots.
Not the outer ones on the tapered pin that you hit with a hammer to jar and pop out then simply spin off once loosened with 22mm spanner/pipe wrench.
the question more specifically is how are the inner tie rod ends ball sockets attached to the steering rack.
here a pic of some replacement ones on ebay....
Holden Commodore VL VN VP Rack Ends,Boots & Tie Rod End - eBay, Other Car Parts, Accessories, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 11-Jul-08 11:37:13 AEST)

[rileyp]

inner tierods, you mean inner steering arm? if so unbolt the tierod end and it will simply pull out if its stuffed... liquid nails will get you around for a few months with no dramas until you het another replacement item and wheel alignment.

liquid nails on what? the tie rod end?
this doesn't sound very safe.........

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

The socket end is just screwed into the rack. A pipe wrench or large spanner will undo them. No need to remove the rack. You can do them with the tie rod ends still attached to the steering arm, but it is a lot easier if you separate them as well.

[rileyp]

The socket end is just screwed into the rack. A pipe wrench or large spanner will undo them. No need to remove the rack. You can do them with the tie rod ends still attached to the steering arm, but it is a lot easier if you separate them as well.

thankyou for your fast response....
time to go buy some....
cheers rileyp

[Cheap6]

liquid nails on what? the tie rod end?
this doesn't sound very safe.........

vnV8driver is taking the ****...

Adding to what TurboXS (Pete), PaRaDoX616 and Not_An_Abba_Fan have posted, there will be locking washers sandwiched between the tie rod (inner ends) and the ends of the steering rack. These are folded over onto flats on the tie rod (inner ends) and have tabs that engage in the end of the rack, thus the locking function.

With the rack boot off, the folded over parts can be knocked back with a pin punch and hammer before unscrewing the ends.

Ideally the lock washers should be replaced each time but may be reused if the flats end up in a different place with the new tie rods. Swapping them side to side sometimes helps. I hope it's obvious that they have to be folded back over to lock the new tie rods in place.

Counting the number of turns you have to unscrew the tie rods out of the outer tie rod ends, and matching that when you screw the new ones in, will allow you to get the wheel alignment close enough to drive get a W/A done professionally without damage to the tyres.

[rileyp]

I pulled off a boot this arvo had a good look and saw the lock washers
and figured I'd have to knock them flat and I understand the necessity of locking them once the new rods are installed.
Thanks everyone for your help
cheers rileyp

[Lost_Pete]

Oddly enough when I saw this post I had just finished replacing the steering rack boot. I did wonder which end of the tie rod you were refering to.

I also had seen the kit you mentioned and I'm amazed at how cheap it is considering buying the steering boot alone was $10 for me.

[rileyp]

you can even buy the rack ends by themselves for $20 a pair + 10 post
here:
Holden Commodore Power Steering Rack Ends, VL-VP,VR,VX. - eBay, Other Car Parts, Accessories, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 02-Jul-08 23:37:34 AEST)