Inner Tie Rods DIY?

IshbOO · Post by **IshbOO** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 9:47 pm

Hey everyone, I just got my car inspected, and right away they guy told me I need to replace my passenger side Inner Tie rod. Is this a DIY? Or would I have to bring it somewhere? Or does anyone on here perhaps want to do it?

This is on a 95 Acura Integra.

I just would like some info before I tear the thing apart! ha. been searching Team-integra as well.

suggestions appreciated

plates expired and need plates asap!

Also. the garage I went to, tried taking my lugs off without the lug key.... Messed up one of my lugs. What should I do? lol? take before and after pictures and send them to general manager or something?

bildo16 · Post by **bildo16** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:11 pm

pop off outer tie rod end, remove rack bellow, take special inner tie rod end tool and remove inner tie rod end. you may be able to rent the tool from "the zone" or pick one up at harbor freight, they are pretty cheap. if you count the threads taking the outer off, you can get toe pretty close when installling the new one. and you will need new clamps for the bellow, small radiator clamps normally work.

mike93hatch · Post by **mike93hatch** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:13 pm

i never had to have a special tool...

Clayton · Post by **Clayton** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:14 pm

special tool?

Nat X · Post by **Nat X** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:17 pm

yep special tool, and not a retard with a big cock.
me and spork did my tie rods (inner and outer) in one day, in like freezing temps. deff a diy job

RyanA · Post by **RyanA** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:43 pm

The special tool you speak of must be a large wrench or Crescent wrench?? I've never used anything special either.

I turn the wheel all the way to one side so the rack is sticking out as far as possible on the side I want to replace. Get large wrench or a crescent that doesn't suck and put it on the flats. There are 2 tabs that you will actually shear off when you loosen the inner tie rod. Your new one will come with it so don't sweat it. Remove the inner tie rod still attached to the outer and measure the length from the seating flat on the inner to the outside of the outer, making sure the inner is straight and not cocked to one side. Disassemble inner from outer and set up length to be close to the same. This will ONLY be good enough to get you to the alignment shop. DO NOT drive the car any more than you have to. Just call around and see who gives the best price on a toe only alignment if your alignment was good before.

bildo16 · Post by **bildo16** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:43 pm

i must have been mistaken, there is no tool to help, just a big crescent wrench.

RyanA · Post by **RyanA** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:46 pm

These are the special ones I usually use. The combination wrench has to be a special size so it's not too big and not too small. The Crescent, you just have to turn a little knob to make it feel special.

Spork · Post by **Spork** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:48 pm

like nate mentioned, we used that tie rod remover tool (that bill just posted) and it is pretty much awesome. any opportunity to use an impact instead of 'a big ass wrench' is great in my book.
I saw one at Worldwide Liquidators (formerly Cummins tools) the other day and almost/should have bought it, but I was broke.

bildo16 · Post by **bildo16** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:48 pm

RyanA;183875 wrote:These are the special ones I usually use. The combination wrench has to be a special size so it's not too big and not too small. The Crescent, you just have to turn a little knob to make it feel special.

search for inner tie rod end tool, you will be amazed and may actually invest in one. makes it a lot easier.