Wisdom from the experienced ( tie-rod and the bushing update )

Hi all! Getting ready to replace left inner tie-rod and the bushings on the steering gear on my 99 this coming weekend. Any words of wisdom you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Original owner, purchased it in 1998!

 

I'd start with changing your post title to something meaningful. Like "Need help with replacing [insert part names here]."

 

Wow: drive slow, keep the beer low (told to me by my 22 year old assistant manager when I was in high school who had 3 dui's already - guess he didn't take his own advice) lol


@Timmah!

 

Count the threads as you take out the inner tie rod. You'll still need an alignment, but counting threads will get you close enough to drive it to the shop easily.

Use an impact if you can, or borrow one. Maybe it was just me but I could not get these bolts off for the life of me. They're labelled 'central mount' and 'driver's side mount' in this picture. Maybe it was the angle or the leverage, they were just on there tight and I tweaked my shoulder/upper back trying to get them loose. I went over to my father in law's the next day and the impact just zipped them off like nothing.

 

central mount comes off from the top fwiw, I think the middle and right are 17 or 19MM, and the left is a 21MM?

 

Yes, you're right, I'd forgotten. I think that was part of the issue, that nut I think is spot welded to the frame there.

 

Don't forget to replace your Tie rod bellows.

 

yep. I did not know that the first time and let's just say I have a bolt and nut now for that section

 

*custom upgrade*

 

*OEM plus*

 

Thanks guys! Lots of good information. Great video too! I’ll need to watch it a few more times. Need to get more bushings.