How to replace tie rod end?

[sweefu]

Hey,
saw a mechanic today, apparently need a new tie rod end. i figure i may as well do the pair. Can anyone give me a run down of how?
Thanks.

[hako]

Have a look at this thread - it includes removing the tierod ends: Removing & Installing P/S RACK VN/VP

[sweefu]

Thanks Hako i'll check it out now.

[sweefu]

Just to verify, i only need to change the bush, but may as well change the whole lot.. i just jack up car, put it on stands, take off the wheels, remove end, then replace? Looks pretty simple haha

[Cheap6]

Outer tie rod end?

Jack up and wheel off.

With a pair of side cutters, straighten and remove the split pin from the nut that secures the tie rod end to the steering arm - on the end of the steering rack.

Loosen the (19mm head) nut so that the threads in the castle part ~match the last thread in the tie rod end. If you are replacing the tie rod end you can remove the nut completely as leaving it on is only done to protect the thread if you miss with the hammer later. It's good to get into good habits though and leave it on a few threads every time.

Mark with (white) paint the tie rod (bit that extends out of the steering rack), the tie rod end lock nut and tie rod end (good habits again) so you can get the toe adjustment back to where it is now. Marking the relationship between the nut and the tie rod is most important. The mark should be along the axis of the tie rod (as distinct from circumferential around it).

Hold the tie rod end with a spanner on the flats and crack the lock nut off and wind the nut in a 1/4 turn or so.

To remove the tie rod end from the steering arm, hit the steering arm on the side, next to the tie rod end. The face of the hammer should strike parallel to the axis of the thread on the tie rod end. The impact momentarily distorts the hole in the steering arm and releases the tie rod end. There is a knack to it and sometimes the ends get stuck in the steering arm, either through corrosion or the nut being overtightened. Remove the nut on the tie rod end completely and tie rod should now fall out.

Unwind the tie rod end off the tie rod. You may have to hold the tie rod with a spanner on the hex section of the tie rod to stop it spinning. Count the number of turns you have to wind it off and write it down somewhere.

Wind the new tie rod end on the same number of turns and spin the lock nut up to it. Match the marks on the tie rod and the lock nut back up and tighten the new tie rod end onto the lock nut.

Put the new tie rod end into the steering arm and tighten the new castle nut. Tighten the nut a little further until a slot in the castle nut lines up with the hole in the tie rod end thread. Put a new split pin through the hole and the castle nut and bend one side down a little and the other end up and back over the tie rod end nut. Trim the ends to leave about 5-10mm of the split pin sticking out of the nut.

Wheel back on etc.

It's a good idea to have the toe checked (wheel alignment done).

It's here too for posterity now.