tie rod questions..

[1990q45er]

I'm about to replace the front outer tie rod on the passenger side and (possible) the driver's. Do you have to take out the rack to do it? it doesn't look like it, but just making sure...

another thing: while I was disconnecting the TR from the tires, I had to smack it with a hammer a LOT to get out. Anyway, the thread is kind've ****ed up now and I can't get the nut to screw on anymore. I guess it doesn't matter for the passenger side since I'm getting new outer TR for it anyway, but does anyone know of a cheap way I can fix the driver's side one? or do I just have to bite the bullet and buy a new outer TR for the driver's side too? Thanks!

[Raxephon]

I'm about to replace the front outer tie rod on the passenger side and (possible) the driver's. Do you have to take out the rack to do it? it doesn't look like it, but just making sure...

No. Rack removal is not necessary for replacement of outer tie rods.

...but does anyone know of a cheap way I can fix the driver's side one?

If the threads aren't too far gone, you can use a dremel and a cutting disc to carefully clean up the threads. Its easy to screw up so you have to take it slowly and patiently.

[maxnix]

Get a metric die to clean the threads correctly.

[elwesso]

Get a metric die to clean the threads correctly.

UNless you have hands like a surgeon, I WOULD NOT use a dremel on threads, you will likely make it worse, so bad that you may not even be able to fix it with a die...

[1990q45er]

UNless you have hands like a surgeon, I WOULD NOT use a dremel on threads, you will likely make it worse

I guess I do have surgeon hands, cuz the dremel method worked perfectly .

Out of curiosity though, what is a metric dye? i haven't heard of that before...
Modified by 1990q45er at 7:36 PM 4/22/2006

[elwesso]

I guess I do have surgeon hands, cuz the dremel method worked perfectly .

Out of curiosity though, what is a metric dye? i haven't heard of that before...

Good. I get nervous with that kind of stuff.

You're familiar with tap/die sets right? Taps cut new threads on fastners, dies bore new threads in metal..... A metric die is simply a die in a metric size

[Raxephon]

I guess I do have surgeon hands, cuz the dremel method worked perfectly .

Glad to hear it.

Maxnix is right in the normally correct way being with a die.

But an inexperienced person can screw up with a die as well.(Incorrect angle, Incorrect size, etc...)

Both the dremel and the tap/die method requires a steady hand, a good eye, and patience.

[elwesso]

I just prefer whenever I mess something up to make an excuse to buy new tools

[PopPop]

I have used hand file to clean up threads and If hard to fix use a hacksaw to cut off bad threads! Save yourself all the trouble next time and use a Tie Rod Fork tool like you suppose to for TR removal.

[Raxephon]

I have used hand file to clean up threads and If hard to fix use a hacksaw to cut off bad threads! Save yourself all the trouble next time and use a Tie Rod Fork tool like you suppose to for TR removal.

You don't have to use a tie rod fork either.

You can remove it the same way G20 owners typically remove theirs.

If you tap the side of the spindle where the outer tie rod mounts with a hammer (On the spindle, not the tie rod), it should pop right out.

[elwesso]

in this case I would dedicate another nut the same size so you can put a nut on there and not damage anything.

[Raxephon]

in this case I would dedicate another nut the same size so you can put a nut on there and not damage anything.

No, you don't tap the tie rod at all, just the section that it slides through on the side.

EDIT:You have to loosen the tie tod nut before you do this though.

[elwesso]

No, you don't tap the tie rod at all, just the section that it slides through on the side.

EDIT:You have to loosen the tie tod nut before you do this though.

I know. What im saying is put a nut on the top so you can wack at the nut and it wont matter if you damage the nut, and you wont damage the threads on the tie rod.