Inner tie-rod ends

Paul Bell

Original poster
Member
Aug 16, 2014
460
I'm gathering parts to do a full front end suspension replacement, including outer tie-rod ends. I'd also like to do the inner tie-rod ends.

I've never replaced these parts before on any vehicle.

Ay advice or tips on how to do the job? The kit looks like it comes with new straps to re-seal the boot.

end_zpsiwp9euxa.jpg
 

JerryIrons

Member
Dec 20, 2011
434
Not sure if you are aware, but if you ever need to change out the steering rack, most of them come equipped with new inner tie rods and boots.
 

Paul Bell

Original poster
Member
Aug 16, 2014
460
Thanks, I figured that.

Can they easily be replaced?
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON
It's not a common job, I haven't done it yet but from reading, doesn't sound too bad. Use a large adjustable wrench on the rack to keep it from turning while unscrewing the inner tie rod. Check what the manual says.
 

jpimp

Member
Feb 1, 2013
176
I did it last summer.
Not a bad job.
Moose is right, large adjustable wrench.
Special tool made for the job is too small to use on our trucks.
Lock tight when installing new ones.
 

meerschm

Member
Aug 26, 2012
1,079
You can get a set of tie rod wrenches that work fine,

Lisle 45750 for one.

the cheapo harbor freight one needs to be modified, but this one does not.

They make the job pretty easy, and let you apply the proper torque after.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jpimp

Paul Bell

Original poster
Member
Aug 16, 2014
460
Thanks folks, I feel I'm ready to do the job.

meerschm, I'm ordering the Lisle set. I'm a tool guy.
 

meerschm

Member
Aug 26, 2012
1,079
I actually ordered the lisle 46800 came with a nice plastic case that looks good on the shelf.
 

Black08TB

Member
Aug 27, 2013
76
Sorry for bumping up an old thread, but I figure it's better than starting a new one on this topic. I have a few questions about replacing an inner tie rod end on my Trailblazer.

1)What is the torque spec on the inner toe rod?
2)When removing the inner tie rod, or torquing it down, should I hold the steering rack arm and keep it from twisting and possibly damaging the rack?

I have the tool to remove the inner tie rod, just concerned I might do damage to the rack during removal and installation. Any help is appreciated, thanks!
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON
Looked it up on GM-SI and they do say to use a pipe wrench (yes, a pipe wrench!) to hold the rack.
 

Attachments

  • Inner Tie Rod Replacement.pdf
    587.5 KB · Views: 22

Black08TB

Member
Aug 27, 2013
76
Thanks Mooseman, I appreciate the help!

Found the Torque spec, it's 74lb ft.
 

NateDG

Member
Oct 30, 2014
216
Normal, Illinois
I'm about to be dealing with this replacement in the next day or so due to the outer absolutely refusing to spin out of the inner so my question is does the steering gear only need to be held with that pipe wrench if the job is being done OUT of the truck?
I've been reading up on this replacement for about 6 days straight now and this is the only time I've heard mention of this.
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON
I'm on my phone but IIRC, it's with the unit in the truck.
 

NateDG

Member
Oct 30, 2014
216
Normal, Illinois
Your last post behind mine had a .pdf that instructed to be holding the rack, but those instructions were also for doing the work OFF the truck and in a vice.
I'm doing this work ON the truck because I don't have the know-how to remove the whole dang rack.
I just wanna know if I'm gonna screw something up, because NO OTHER forum post or video has mentioned once about holding the rack in place.
The Chilton manual mentions inner tie rods ZERO times in the volume I have.
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON
Had a look at AllData and they showed the R&P in a vice as well. But if it's secure in a vice, why would it be necessary to also hold the rack with a pipe wrench? It's to prevent the rotational force from damaging the gears.

Probably everywhere they don't mention the pipe wrench is either ignorance or laziness. I would use the pipe wrench either way. It is not necessary to remove the R&P from the truck.
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON
They're using an inner tie-rod tool, which GM doesn't even use (just an open ended wrench). To get the pipe wrench on, you'd have to turn the wheel to make the rack extend out more. I'd also apply a little heat to the end of the rack to break the red Loctite's hold.

Using the pipe wrench could be overkill by GM.
 

Forum Statistics

Threads
23,273
Posts
637,483
Members
18,472
Latest member
MissCrutcher

Members Online