Replaceing Tie Rods- Inner and outer Both Sides

[lsdarkshadow]

I am About to replace the tie rods on the LS (2001). Has Anyone else done this and do I need to run to Autozone for a special tool before I begin?

As a side note my left tie rod is completely sheared in half. Broke during a move on a flat bed....not while driving. I got lucky cause I was driving it the day before and noticed the wheel was alittle askew so I had it flat beded to my new house. (I drove my other vehicle).

Any guidance would be help full.

 

[pektel]

I've never pulled the inner tie rods before. Did you buy new boots too? May be a good idea. Also, don't know if you'll need any special tools to remove the clamps on the ends of the boots.

I do believe they have an inner tie rod removal wrench. Probably would be a good idea to rent it.

 

[lsdarkshadow]

The boots are in good shape. My friend told me I need to cut the clamps off and put ne clamps on to hold the larger end in place. I just wanna make sure he's not full of crap. Boots are in primo shape though. I have this BMW silicone rubber restore stuff I am gonna use to clean them up. And buy hose clamps I guess.

 

[FASTLLS]

IAlso, don't know if you'll need any special tools to remove the clamps on the ends of the boots.

I do believe they have an inner tie rod removal wrench. Probably would be a good idea to rent it.

I believe they are cut off.. The tool is helpful but I don't think it's necessary.. The rack on the LS is pretty accessible. Would be helpful if you could get your hands on one.

 

[lsdarkshadow]

Yeah ...so after three Fu#kin hours driving around the city, the only tool for inner tie rods I could find was from Autozone. Not the right tool. I am so angry right now.

 

[hite337]

i did my inner tie rods and they just threaded in. i used a crescent wrench to loosen them i believe. i do know i didnt need any special tool. i reused the old boots as well. i tried to find the right size crimp clamps but i ended up just using a large hose clamp

 

[lsdarkshadow]

Yeah...didn't have a cresent in the box. Went to Sears and didn't have one either. I hate people.

 

[hite337]

that sucks. i drove to 4 different places lookin for those damn crimp rings. i finally went back to the first place to get the large hose clamps...lol

 

[Andrizzle]

I did the rear outter links and it was not too difficult, just awkward angle. I used a power drill and wrench and spun the nut right off using the drill to spin the entire rod. It was actually pretty quick.

Not sure about the inners

 

[FASTLLS]

i did my inner tie rods and they just threaded in. i used a crescent wrench to loosen them i believe. i do know i didnt need any special tool. i reused the old boots as well. i tried to find the right size crimp clamps but i ended up just using a large hose clamp

Well put..

 

[lsdarkshadow]

hose clamps from lowes, and a wrench from harbor frieght! All is well.

 

[jolinc01]

Outer tie rod ends are fairly easy to change. I had some rust issues with the drivers side on mine, but managed.

 

[lsdarkshadow]

yeah...it's the inner ones that are bein a cats a&&.