91, 740 Sedan
156k


I might need to do a right inner tie rod replacement on our sedan. After I identify the type as either CAM or ZF, and soak the tie rod connection parts with lubricant, I have some questions, as I never did any suspension or steering work before on any car, ever! So, of all things on a car this is my weak area of knowledge - I couldn't even tell you what part it was. Btw, I disclaim your advice, but please try not to forget something important - Murphy is always watching!

Preliminary question - how can I tell if the tie rod really is bad or if the tire shop was just trying to drum up business?


REMOVAL --

1. Steering wheel - I read about this issue. Does it get turned left or right? ... Do you want it to lock, or do you want it to move?

2. After the vehicle is jacked up, do I need the jack under the steering or suspension somewhere? ... I hear references to placing the raised jack under the control arm - why? ... And,

if yes, is it done before or after removal of the [inner] tie rod.

3. Do I need two wrenches of the same size - I hear references to that also.

4. What is this peening-staking thing about? Is there a unpeening-unstaking, and if yes, what order is it done in?

5. Does the boot need to come off? How is the boot attached?

6. Will I need a pickle fork, and if yes, what type - tie rod or ball joint type, or both? and/or a pitman arm puller (standard or small design), and/or a tie rod puller? Friend if mine says just use two hammer, one on top and the other underneath and smack one on the end of the joint, and hold the other hammer still, and it will pop out.

7. Btw, always only partially unscrew the ball joint nut before popping the ball out, right?

8. Count the number of exposed threads on the exposed tie rod, so I can get it back to as close to how it was for alignment purposes, right?


INSTALLATION --

9. Ok, what did I miss, besides the medium blue loctite (and why not high strength red?)

10. Tricks to install it all back without damaging the new parts?

11. I copied this out of the archives and have no idea what this person is referring to: "There is no formal locking mechanism in the sense of a locknut or jam nut. There should be a washer with a tab that indexes with a notch in the rack end. Make sure that you reused the old ones. If you didn't, get a new set and install them before you drive the car ... Also, when you tighten the new tie rod, use a counterhold wrench on the last tooth on the rack" ....

What tooth or teeth? Is this about holding a wrench onto gears of some sort. Teeth refer to gears of some sort.

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Please articulate. Pics would be great.

thanks -- diyer