Tie rod removal

[pabinlove]

Hi all I've had lots of advice from you good people on here so many thanks for all the questions that I post. So anyway I've never done this before so when I get to the tie rod I've read I may need a removal tool? Is this so? If not is there any technic to removing them.

[Mirez]

You'll almost certainly need a splitter, something along the lines of:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171260126130
(Note thats just for representation and the first one that came up - shop around)

Separating the tie rod end from the hub is the only tricky bit as its likely to be corroded in and hence the need for the splitter. If you've never used one before, firstly wear glasses and gloves. Secondly, remove the tie rod end nut first but then wind it back on a couple of turns - when it finally releases the nut will stop it flying out.

[pabinlove]

Cheers for the reply many thanks I've missed a word out 😚 what I meant to say was the inner tie rod. Sorry would this tool so the job and I don't mean me😜 http://bit.ly/PNJW3G think this is how to put a link on not sure.

[insanitybeard]

Normally the inner tie rod threads into the rack and there is a flat of some sort at the rack end to allow use of an open spanner to remove/ install it. However, if you plan to renew it then the tracking will almost certainly need to be checked afterwards, as the front track is adjusted by threading the inner tie rod in or out of the outer part (the part with the ball joint that locates in the wheel knuckle), and as you will disturb this by doing the job there is a good chance you will alter the tracking. If you're careful it may be possible to count the number of turns to unthread the outer track rod end from the old inner rod and fit the new one ensuring you wind it in exactly the same number of turns but it would still be prudent to get the tracking checked afterwards. Finally- the locknut between the outer and inner tie rods (that keeps them locked in position once adjusted) is exposed to all the crud thrown up from the road and is likely to be very tight to crack off- a good soak in penetrating oil and maybe some heat may be required to free it!

[daddyfixit]

on Vauxhall/Renaults I have done this works;
firstly remove the trackrod end--counting how many turns it unscrewed off the tierod   
    turn the steering on a full lock, this exposes the inner tie rod balljoint where it attaches to the rack.
   using a pair of stillsons or large curved-jaw visegrips you can grip hold and loosen them off---they are tight to loosen and may have Loctite on them.
  fit new tie rod----tighten it up again !, fit new gaiter &cable ties then  refit trackrod end remembering how many turns it came off.
   take car to get the wheel alignment done properly