Tie rod replacement

I had my truck jacked up by the frame to check wheel bearings... they seem fine. However, with the driver side tire in the air, I can feel play in the steering when pulling the front/back of the tire back and forth.

I can feel knocking in the tie rod, not so much the tie rod end.

There's not really any play on the passenger side when I repeated this on that side.

Has anyone replaced their tie rods? Is it difficult? Any nasty surprises I should know about?

 

Tie rods are fairly easy to replace, only takes a few minutes and both sides are interchangeable with the same part number.

 

Here is a pretty good video I found, pretty informative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVQHgcXEhpE

 

Thanks! Does anyone know if the approach the same for 2nd-Gen Tacomas as well? Looking at the FSM I got scared, but that video made it look simple.

 

Outers are the easiest thing you can do. Inners are a little more challenging but do able if you have the correct tools.

 

What special tools would I need?

 

i had to get a pipe wrench to remove my inners.

defiantly wasnt the correct tool.

 

Though outers you just need regular hand tools. For the inner there is this tool you would have to rent from the an auto zone or something.

 

OK, Harbor Freight has an inner tie rod removal set. It's not for use on Saginaw type rack and pinions. Does the 2nd gen Tacoma have a Saginaw type rack and pinion?

Edit: it would appear that these trucks do not have a Saginaw type rack and pinion.

 

If only I had spent a few minutes searching instead of changing my oil... http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/239369-tie-rod-replacement.html

 

If the outers are seized you will need a pickle fork or a puller.

 

Thanks, I have a ball joint separator in my toolbox

 

Does anyone see an issue with using a tie rod removal tool like that one at Harbor Freight? Like putting too much strain on the rack and pinion as the tie rod is loosened?

I might be overthinking it. Maybe the double wrench approach is better?