Žob

but it looks like they are rusted in there. I'm afraid of busting the rubber bushing that is in the tie rod end trying to free it. Anyone BTDT?

qfrog Ti20

that requires that you remove the pincher bolt and the bolt that goes into the top of the part beign pinched.

I've never tried to remove them from the tie rods tho. I'd have to say that you should spray them with PB blaster and let them sit for a while.

Žob

Im that far...just gotta get the rod off the rack now...

qfrog Ti20

ugh..... I havent done that just yet...... sorry

VeeDubTek

You are just changing the outer tie rod ends, correct? If so, slide it back into the steering knuckle for now. Helps stabilize it. Back the jam nut out. Then get as much *** as you can on an 18mm wrench on the inner nut. Once you break it loose, you can then spin the tie rod end right out. I actually use an 18mm crowsfoot wrench that I can attach to a 3/8" drive breaker bar. HTH,

qfrog Ti20

because I've been trying to get as much *** as I can but it hasnt helped much with my car.... LOL
=-P

VeeDubTek

haha....not quite the context that was meant in, but it never hurts to try that too ; )

AudiAddict B7

don't be offended but you did remove the upper bolt from the tie rod and the one on the side right?

You should be able to tap it free.

If you're takling about the other end there is a indentation on both sides that allows you to get a wrench on it from the steering rack side

Žob

If anyone has seen the other side of the tie rod end you'll soon understand where I was coming from. Tie threaded part that goes into the rack, attaches to big rubber bushing on the inside of the tie rod. My fear was that I was going to break that bushing when turning the whole tie rod to free it. I just decided that I was going to give it the good ol heave ho and see what happened. It finally busted free. Job finished. Time to align the car tomorrow