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Left Outter Tie Rod Replacement[ALL/1998] posted by Sam Symia on
Thursday, 5 June 1997, at 2:50 p.m.
I have a question about replacing my left outter tie rod. My car is a 1983 244DL 4-sp/OD. I can't seem to find the outter tie rod on the car. Is the outter TR just the end that screws onto the main rod itself? I ordered a outter TR and have not received it to compare it to my bad one. Also, If I mark the threads on the rod before removing it, will I have to get the car realigned?
TIA
Re: Left Outter Tie Rod Replacement[ALL/1998] posted by Brian T. on
Thursday, 5 June 1997, at 7:21 p.m.
You're right about what it is. It's the end which screws onto the shaft which comes out of steering rack boot. Loosen the lock nut slightly before you bust the joint itself from the steering knuckle. When unscrewing the end from the tie rod, make sure to count the exact number of turns it takes to get it off. Make sure you secure the rod (such as with a pair of vise-grips) so it doesn't turn with the end as you remove it, so you don't lose count. Put the new one on the same number of turns (down to the fraction of a turn). ---Brian
Re: Left Outter Tie Rod Replacement[ALL/1998] posted by Dana on
Friday, 6 June 1997, at 1:35 p.m.
Brian,
I had my outer tie rods replaced and they "counted the threads" when they put the new ones on. They said that it should be okay, but I should probably get an alignment sometime soon. Well.... I waited too long--less than 2,000 miles! After having to replace relatively new front tires that were worn down to the steel belts, I would say an alignment is a lot cheaper than what I paid for new tires (plus the alignment.)
Good luck, Dana.
Re: Left Outter Tie Rod Replacement[ALL/1998] posted by Mark Klein on
Friday, 6 June 1997, at 6:31 p.m.
Before you pull the old tie rod end off, get a small metric ruler and measure from a reference point (the end of the locknut can be close enough)to the CENTER of the ball socket end. The problem with the "counting the threads/turns" method is the replacement end may not be of the same dimensions (length-wise) as the old end. If you measure from the center of the ball socket. This is what is critical to get back in the correct position.
Another fairly accurate method is to look at the inside edges of the tires. When they align the front end, the adjustment the tie rod end controls is "total toe". The front tires should be just a hair pidgeon toed- they should point towards each other. Before you jack the car up, look along the inside edge of the tires on one side of the car. Get the wheels pointed as straight as possible. The front and rear edge of the front tire should line up with the rear tire's inside edge if the wheels are pointed exactly straight ahead. Now look at the other side of the car. You should be able to see about one row of tread of the rear tire. After you replace the tie rod end, it should line up exactly like this. Just remember to roll the car a few feet back and forth after letting the car off the jack.
Regardless which method is used, it would be best to get an alignment afterwards.