Tie rod assembly mystery

[tduncan001]

I am pleased to say that I have succussfully tackled every repair I started on the 71 914 1.7L (all OEM) I purchased about a month ago - except for two (tie rod end replacement and finding out why there is no power to my rear heater blower motor). I have purchased all parts from Pelican except for lube, fluids, etc.

This post is in reference to the tie rod end as I have not "dug into" the blower motor yet.

So, after many long hours or pounding, heating, twisting, etc. I could not get the tie rod end out of the tie rod assembly; no problem with removing it from the suspension strut knuckle.

The cost for one outer tie rod end is $30. If I take it to a shop, they will charge me $50 per side. For $80, I can buy a whole tie rod assembly and do the work myself as I feel confident that i can remove the bolt from the inner tie rod fork type joint and then I will have a brand new assembly all around.

But...I do not see anywhere where I can buy the eye bolt (with the rubber ring) that the inner tie rod end connects to. I figure that this rubber stuff is where an inner tie rod end would break down, not the metal fork connector. The tie rod assembly does not include this piece for some reason...

Thoughts?

[Flieger]

On a 911, you just turn the hinge to use the tie rod itself as a lever to unscrew the inner end from the rack. The Turbo tie rods have a spherical bearing so you cannot do that.

[tduncan001]

Originally Posted by Flieger

On a 911, you just turn the hinge to use the tie rod itself as a lever to unscrew the inner end from the rack. The Turbo tie rods have a spherical bearing so you cannot do that.

When I tried to unsrew the outer tie rod end, the tie rod assembly started to rotate counter closkwise at the eyebolt (inner tie rod end). I was unsure if I was screwing something up so I stopped. This has become a matter of principle. I could pay to have this done, but I have performed everything else myself and really want to accomplish this task.

I am trying to find out if the eyebolt that the inner tie rod connects to, with the rubber grommet thingy, is something that comes with a tie rod assembly.

[tduncan001]

I am looking for guidance on where the inner tie rod connects to the eye bolt aft of the steering bellows. I do not see where I can purchase this eye bolt with rubber grommet anywhere.

[Flieger]

Not sure if this helps: Any tips for removing Tie rods?

[tduncan001]

Originally Posted by Flieger

Not sure if this helps: Any tips for removing Tie rods?

I am trying to figure out if I need to replace the eyebolt with the rubber inner tie rod end. The pictures of the tie rod assembly just show the fork end but do not appear to include the rubber eye bolt.

[tduncan001]

Originally Posted by tduncan001

I am trying to figure out if I need to replace the eyebolt with the rubber inner tie rod end. The pictures of the tie rod assembly just show the fork end but do not appear to include the rubber eye bolt.

I figured it out - Pelican does not sell the part. There is an inner tie rod end socket that the tie rod assembly attaches to. For some reason, the tie rod assembly includes the outer end but not the inner end - go figure. Autohauz in AZ sells the inner socket.

[tduncan001]

Decided to just replace the whole tie rod assembly. I have performed all the work myself on this car so far and for the cost of an entire assembly (I know I can get the bolt out where the tie rod connects to the inner end), it is cheaper than paying a shop to try and unscrew the outer end from the tube. Plus I will have an entire brand new tie rod assmbly.

I don't need the turbo upgrade as this car will not be driven hard.

[Flieger]

Even a street car can benefit from the Turbo tie rods. What is the cost difference?

[tduncan001]

It's not the cost but the installation. Based on the research I did on the net, I need special wrenches to install the turbo tie rods. The inner ends are fine, it is the outers that are a little worn. If I replace with an OEM assembly, I do not need to buy two special wrenches and also do not need to take out the rack. I thought about this a lot and ordered the OEM set 2 days ago. I also drive an SL55 AMG and those have active body control (each corner is independently adjusted by the computer real time for maximum performance ) so I am ok if my 71 914 is not up with the latest performance parts. I just like working on the 914 and taking easy drives with it.

[9146er]

Eye bolts have to be aligned in a special jig so they will work properly. Steering rack has to be removed to do this. Haynes manual does not mention this. If the angle is incorrect steering will bind. Turbo tie rods are a direct bolt in and do not require this. Yes, a thin wrench is needed for tightening.

[tduncan001]

My inner ends (the eyebolts) are in good shape so I do not plan to replace those. If I only replace the tie rod assembly, it does not look that I will need to unscrew the eye bolts as the tie rod assembly connects through these eye bolts with a bolt and nut. Please confirm.

Also, when I attemtpted to unscrew the outer ends from the tie rod assembly (to no avail, which is why I am replacing th wholel tie rod), the inner eye bolts did slightly turn counter clockwise with the tie rod and I turned them back before re-mounting the outer tie rod end to the wheel. I figured these eye bolts must be able to rotate slightly clockwise and counter clockwise and my steering is fine.

[tduncan001]

Successfully installed the tie rod assemblies ordered from Pelican with no issues and everything works well. No turbo upgrade - just the plain old original setup.

[tduncan001]

Got a much needed alignment too.