Hi,
My name is Al. Mostly look around the site for solutions to maintain my Path in top conditions. I have enough skills and tools to perform most of the work on my truck by myself. I replaced the lower trac bars on my rig a month ago. Next on my list is tie rod ends.
My questions is: Can i replace them without lifting the Path off the ground and removing the tire? I have the clearance and enough room to work. Or is it a must that I lift and remove tires?
I just want to be sure my reasoning is OK. Why I want to do it this way? Right now my driveway is not available and I don't have a proper spot to fix the Path.
Thank you for your help and replies.
Al
Replace tie rod without lifting Path
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rgk
- Posts: 588
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- Car: 02 Pathfinder LE 3.5 auto 4x4
- Location: Indiana Dunes National Park
Re: Replace tie rod without lifting Path
I haven't tried this. I'm not 100% sure about it, so I'll let someone else chime in as well, but having pulled my outer tie rod end, I'm going to say that you need to remove the wheel. I believe it gives you the clearance you need to pull it.
Not to mention that pulling the wheel makes the job that much easier. I'd say it would be easier for you to find a different driveway (neighbor's, empty parking lot) than deal with removing it wheel-on-the-ground.
Not to mention that pulling the wheel makes the job that much easier. I'd say it would be easier for you to find a different driveway (neighbor's, empty parking lot) than deal with removing it wheel-on-the-ground.
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atraudes
- Posts: 1106
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- Car: 2001.5 Infiniti QX4 4WD
- Location: Sammamish, WA
Re: Replace tie rod without lifting Path
Hi Al,
I can't think of any reason that it wouldn't be possible, as long as it looks like you have the proper clearances for your tools to fit and to pull the part. It's not a load-bearing piece as long as you're on reasonably level ground. I think you'll be hard pressed to find someone that's done it before, though
I'll bet money that it'll be painful though. I'll second rgk and say that unless it's crazy loose and needs to be replaced asafp, hold off till you can pull the wheel off.
Would it be possible for you to jack up the lower control arm and remove the tire? Jacking on the arm will mean the body would only get lifted an inch or two compared to the 6+ it would go up if you lifted by the frame.
I can't think of any reason that it wouldn't be possible, as long as it looks like you have the proper clearances for your tools to fit and to pull the part. It's not a load-bearing piece as long as you're on reasonably level ground. I think you'll be hard pressed to find someone that's done it before, though
I'll bet money that it'll be painful though. I'll second rgk and say that unless it's crazy loose and needs to be replaced asafp, hold off till you can pull the wheel off.Would it be possible for you to jack up the lower control arm and remove the tire? Jacking on the arm will mean the body would only get lifted an inch or two compared to the 6+ it would go up if you lifted by the frame.
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Hawairish
- Posts: 463
- Joined: Sat Nov 08, 2014 1:43 pm
- Car: 2004 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD
- Location: Surprise, AZ
Re: Replace tie rod without lifting Path
Not safe. The tie rod is the only thing that moves (and prevents moving) your tire left-right. When that's disconnected, you better hope that wheel doesn't turn if unsupported. Because of the slight caster, it will want to toe in under it's own weight. Might be an exaggerated scenario, but do you want to chance that? It won't fall on your head, but it'll be more work.atraudes wrote:Hi Al,
I can't think of any reason that it wouldn't be possible, as long as it looks like you have the proper clearances for your tools to fit and to pull the part. It's not a load-bearing piece as long as you're on reasonably level ground. I think you'll be hard pressed to find someone that's done it before, though
Would it be possible for you to jack up the lower control arm and remove the tire? Jacking on the arm will mean the body would only get lifted an inch or two compared to the 6+ it would go up if you lifted by the frame.
And don't jack under the LCA. The bottom isn't flat enough for prolonged support by a jack.
Find a way to do it safely. You can leave the tires on, and can do it with the tires on the ground, but you need to support the vehicle somewhere with jack stands. Best place would be right underneath the steering rack's crossmember. Pop out the TREs from the knuckle, then undo the inners, or whatever it is you're replacing.
Re: Replace tie rod without lifting Path
Thank you all for your replies.
Tie rods are not that worn out so I can wait a couple more weeks. Another reason for doing the job this way is perhaps the alignment wouldn't change that bad until I was able to get the Path to the alignment shop. Also, I got new tires and want to get the front suspension/steering work done to install my new tires. (Nothing too crazy, Michelin LTX MS2 265/70r16).
Since the jack I have is a 2 ton (insufficient, I know, but I am saving to get a 3+ ton. Having a baby reduced my fundings), I lift the rig by the LCA, put a jack stand by the frame, remove tire and then lower it until everything is secured.
Al
Tie rods are not that worn out so I can wait a couple more weeks. Another reason for doing the job this way is perhaps the alignment wouldn't change that bad until I was able to get the Path to the alignment shop. Also, I got new tires and want to get the front suspension/steering work done to install my new tires. (Nothing too crazy, Michelin LTX MS2 265/70r16).
Since the jack I have is a 2 ton (insufficient, I know, but I am saving to get a 3+ ton. Having a baby reduced my fundings), I lift the rig by the LCA, put a jack stand by the frame, remove tire and then lower it until everything is secured.
Al