How to remove inner tie rod from steering rack? 89 240sx

[onosqv]

Hello, I'm trying to install my tein tie rods & I can't seem to get the inner tie rod out.

I basically have everything detached except the tie rod itself (doing some other work under there.

I have also "unhooked" the clips that go around the square inner tie rod piece that's suppose to lock it - the corresponding clip is now straight up.

I tried using a large crescent wrench, but the darn thing won't budge or move.

There must be an easier way to do this - I keep reading ppl claiming this is a 20-30 minute job.

Thanks!

[raging panda]

once i folded up the clips, it took a lot of force to get it to come loose, i had to use my leg and force it out, but it did only take me like 45 minutes for both sides.

just so were clear, you took off all four sides of the clip right?

[onosqv]

Thanks man, how did you get leverage w/ your foot in there? Details please .

THANKS!

[onosqv]

O yea, and I don't have to secure the other side (the steering rack side w/ the smaller square bracket) - do I?

[onosqv]

once i folded up the clips, it took a lot of force to get it to come loose, i had to use my leg and force it out, but it did only take me like 45 minutes for both sides.

just so were clear, you took off all four sides of the clip right?

Thanks, the leg trick did wonders, haha. .

[Delphic Reason]

Sorry to bring up an older thread, but I am having the same issue. I have a '93 240sx coupe (non-abs), and I am trying to replace the inner tie rod on the passenger side. I have been told there is a "lock-tang" holding the inner tie rod to the steering rack, but I don't see anything holding it in place. Am I just blind, or am I missing something? Does anyone have a good picture (preferably close up), or diagram, so I can see what I am supposed to be looking for? I'll try and take a picture of my inner tie rod, so you can see what mine looks like (I think it's an aftermarket ebay unit). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sean

[180fan]

look at the picture. see where it looks like it bolts up to the rack? you'll see what looks like a little plate behind it in the top most picture. most visible right behind where the green line touches the inner tie rod.

[Delphic Reason]

look at the picture. see where it looks like it bolts up to the rack? you'll see what looks like a little plate behind it in the top most picture. most visible right behind where the green line touches the inner tie rod.

That's the problem. There is nothing visible on my inner tie rod, at that location. There doesn't seem to be any "plate" of any kind. As I said before, it looks like the previous owner replaced their tie rods with aftermarket Ebay knockoffs, so mine does not look exactly like the tie rod in the picture. It looks like it should just unscrew with no problems. Furthermore, my new tie rods don't seem to come with any sort of locking plate. I guess I'm supposed to use the old plates? I'm quite confused. No amount of force seems to break it loose, and I can't see any sort of locking plate, yet I'm told there needs to be a locking plate. As soon as I'm able to get back to my house (I've been snowed in at work for the past 3 days(I work at a hotel)), I will take a picture of my tie rod so you can see what I'm talking about. Until then I guess there's nothing I can do, unless someone has a better, close up picture of the other side of the tie rod giving a better view of the locking plate. Thanks for your help thus far. I appreciate it.

Sean

[180fan]

those lock plates you can get from the dealer. cheap too. if there is no locking plate, chances are it's on there with some loctite. My kazama tie rods, I couldn't fit the locking plates on so I used loctite blue on the threads. So expect something like that if you're dealing with a "no-locking-plate" situation. Might be time to pull out the blow torch. Either way, take pictures so the rest of us can take a gander at what you're talking about.

[RamonetB]

When it rains it pours.

I too am looking at possibly having to replace my tie rods. I'm driving a 1990 240sx Hatchback.

My question is this:How do I know I need to replace them? How much back and forth play is allowed in a wheel before one says the tie rods must be replaced?

I know it's a crazy question, but I've not been able to locate much on WHEN they should be replaced. How is plentiful. You see, being close to inspection time for me (due in January) whenever I have the car in the shop I get "suggestions" on what may need to be done. I was listed a "R/F Inner Tie Rod required for inspection" on my receipt. To me, this means Passenger side front.

So I jacked my car up and decided to check the play in the wheels. Very little is present, I can shift them 1-2mm, IF that. The drivers side does shift a little more than the passenger side.

Oh great gurus of 240sx-dom. Is this the sign of ill steering omens? As a side note, my tension rode bushings are dead (and will be replaced as soon as the parts arrive on my door step).

Thanks all!

[180fan]

when they've got play in them, that's when you replace them. 1-2mm is enough play to screw you over when you get on the road. Another thing to watch for are the ball joints. If the seal ruptures, dump em, and get new ones.

[Delphic Reason]

those lock plates you can get from the dealer. cheap too. if there is no locking plate, chances are it's on there with some loctite. My kazama tie rods, I couldn't fit the locking plates on so I used loctite blue on the threads. So expect something like that if you're dealing with a "no-locking-plate" situation. Might be time to pull out the blow torch. Either way, take pictures so the rest of us can take a gander at what you're talking about.

Blow torch huh? Yeah, I thought I might have to go that route. Well, at the moment my car is under a pile of snow, so I can't really get any pivtures, but it's supposed to warm up a bit in the next few days, so I'll get some pictures then. Thanks for the hep thus far.

Sean

[RamonetB]

Well, that brings up the next question:

What brand of tie rods do you recommend? I'm not interested in any high performance parts meant for drifters that improve handling in sports steering situations. I don't race (I know, I'm ashamed ). Like new stock condition is fine with me. I'm just looking for good wares that will last the test of the interstate for the next 4-5 years (perceived remaining lifespan of car).

[180fan]

Can't beat oem for peace of mind. I've found for oem parts, I've had the best experience with Midway Parts team probably the best prices I've come across online for any oem or nismo part with the best service I could ask for. They seriously leave no doubt in my mind when it comes to the best parts department. 1-866-271-0502 all the parts guys are awesome, but I personally deal with Mike Jones out of Midway Parts.