Tie Rod End Locking/Jam nut won't budge.

[KNS]

I'm just replacing the Tie Rod Ends (boots are torn), I'm not doing the Turbo Tie Rods. I've already purchased new Tie Rod Ends.

Both rod ends popped out of the steering knuckle with no problem but for the life of me the locking nuts are on solid - I think someone used loctite or something. For my sanity these are conventional threads - correct? Counter clockwise to loosen (that's what they look like anyway). The locking nut just unscrews followed by the rod end. I did this many years ago on my SC and did not encounter this.

I'm open to any tricks without destroying the existing tie rods to get these locking nuts loose. I suppose I could get the vise grips on them but I don't want mangle the nuts.

Thanks in advance!

[Reiver]

Heat and some kind of penetrant....but heat should do it.

[john walker's workshop]

Reattach it to the steering arm, then crank on it. Heat if all else fails.

[KNS]

Thanks guys - I tried re-attaching to the steering arm but that seems to deform the bushing at the inner U joint.