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Inner tie rod removal

2.6K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  Gregrunner  
#1 ·
Need help / suggestions on how to get off the inner tie rods. The outer tie rods screwed off easily, but the nuts were rusted on so bad I ended up cutting off part of the inner tie rod to get the boots and clamps off. I got a tie rod removal tool, and the 33.6 mm adapter fits the new tie rods, but not the old. The 1 3/8" adapter is too big, and there is not a size in between. It appears I need a 34 mm or a 1 11/32" adapter but I can't find one anywhere. I tried cutting and wrapping small pieces of sheet metal around the larger adapter to fill the space, but it still slips off the tie rod hexagon portion when trying to loosen it. Any ideas on how to get the right part or another way to remove the inner tie rods? I hate to have to have it towed somewhere. Thank you. 2006 9.3 AERO
 
#2 ·
Saabs dealler tool is just a glorified crow foot...

I'm guessing you are using the OTC autozone type tool? A handle with 3 little crow foot like do-dads?

Do you have any way to get a 24mm crow foot? How much room do you have to attach a clamp type tie rod tool? Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

Can you switch out tool types by say getting an Oreilly tool thats different? Who knows whats been done to the loaner.

Luckily it just has to not strip, who cares if you mess it up otherwise.

If you have a way to get purchase normally you can just put a wrench on it, and use another wench wraped in it as a breaker.
 
#3 ·
The tool I got is from O’Reilly. I have been to every auto parts store in town and they all just have a similar type tool. I can’t find a 34 mm adapter anywhere to use with the tool. Not even on line. I’m not familiar with any other type of inner tie rod removal tool, and the parts stores didn’t have any other suggestions.
 
#4 ·
There isn’t much room for access, and I’m not familiar with the clamp type tool you are referring to. No room for a regular wrench or anything like that. The stores just have the long tube that fits over the adapter in one end and the socket ratchet wrench goes in the ither end. The adapter fits on the back end of the tie rod next to the steering rack, where it screws on.
 
#5 ·
Welp... I don't know about the ethics of doing it to a loaner tool... So maybe do it to the tie rod end (ethical issue resolved)

You could grind "something" down so a size that's a little tight fits.

The clamp on is in the normal tool sections at autozone and you just bolt it on, tighten it up real good, then stick an extension and breaker bar on it. Some tie rod ends don't have any threads or get rounded and you use that for them.

Or.. A few seconds with a cutoff wheel will make a notch to put the next size down (33.6mm?) into. As it's the corners that hold the torque it shouldnt effect your ability to take it off.

If its on the firewall and they havent changed the body from the 900 too much you should have some room to get the cutter in.

Have a picture of the clearance? You may be able to get a grip on the front bit before it's squared at least.

Baring that. if you can wait, the Leslie tool on amazon is great looking.
 
#7 ·
Thank you both for responding! And a special thank you to ReverendPaul! I ended up finding and buying the clamp style tie rod tool from Advance Auto and it worked! Both old tie rods are off.
You and that tool are a life saver! Definitely a money saver! Thanks again! Wish I could thank you in person!