Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Tie Rod ends

I am replacing my inner and outer right side tie rod ends, any body have some how to on this project? I have changed the springs to eibch and 5 way konis. Any one have any problems with this setup. My local garage, when the inspected my tie rods, told me that the spring mounts were mangled due to eccessive wear and tear, what do you think!


2000 SVT
70000 mi.

thanks.

Help me guys, Im looking to get this fun done tonight, I have the parts, 20 for inner and 41 for the outer!

Haynes manual.

Before you separate the tie rods from the steering knuckle, be sure to loosen the backing nut so you have something to hold the tie rod in place. Once backing nut is loose,you can then use a tie rod separater to remove the outer tie rods from the knuckle....

I think you will find the hardest part of the job is loosening up that backing nut...

Yep, I agree with the above statement. I did the outers and that lock nut is a PITA. I didn't do the inners, so I don't know how hard/easy those are.

When you change tie rod ends Measure the distance from a fixed point on the frame to the caliper/disc/some part of the stearing. Write it down. Count the number of turns to remove the old tie rod end. Put the new one on the same number of turns. Tighten bolt as per specs. Then measure the distances from and to the same places and adjust (by turning the tie rod its self) to match the previous written down dimentions. Tighten lock nut on tie rod. Then to an Aliegnment shop.

How do you get the inners off! the f*%$ing thing has no where to put a wrench on, it slick. What kind of crap is that. the new ones have slots to put a wrench on, What next!

To pull the inners you need to remove the rack.

I ran into the same problem on a late model Focus. The inner tie rod was totally smooth, no wrench flats. I took a die grinder and ground a small area on the inner tie rod socket, then used a strap type wrench (basically a piece of square tubing 1/2 " inside with a nylon strap on it) with an extension and breaker bar to remove the tie rod. The small flat or dimple will give the strap wrench enough grip to break the tie rod loose. It worked for me, saved me from pulling the rack. Good luck.

One Question,

What did you do to keep the inner tie rod from rotating around when you put the wrench on it. If you just put a wrench on the inner tie rod and turn the tie rod will rotate unless you take the rack apart


Bob