Inner tie rod removal tips

[devil_dog_mike]

I am doing this job soon (parts ordered and shipped!) but I don't really understand the lock washer and what needs to be done to it to get it out and reinstall a new one. Can someone break it down barney style for me?

 

[TheSwapnessMonster]

Best I can do is the Hokey Pokey

If you'd like to change tie rods, get a punch (clap) (clap)
if you'd like to change tie rods, remove the boot (clap) (clap)
Then you take the punch and you hammer at the clips
Now you can fit the special tool over the flats (clap) (clap)

The washer prevents you from getting the removal tool over the flats so you need to bend 3 out of 4 the clips back. I did it last night and it was super easy EXCEPT for getting the boot new steering rack boot on. I bought the Beck/Arnley boots and they do NOT fit. I ended up reusing the old OE boots.

 

[devil_dog_mike]

Lol...my boots seems to be in pretty good order, reusing them was my plan as well.
After you reinstall washers and inner tie rod, is that when you bend the tabs on the washer? Forgive my questions, first time taking this job on.

 

[TheSwapnessMonster]

No sweat. You bend the tabs back during disassembly. check out page 12 of the manual. It shows the process with the steering rack removed, but you can do it with the steering rack on. Also, retightening the tie rod end with the new washer on can be awkward. I just used a larger inner tie rod end tool (44-57 ftlbs).

http://web.archive.org/web/20050227153745/http://protege5.ugly.net/06-12.PDF