tie rod assembly

[hoover]

Hi all, I'm wondering if anyone has fitted new tie rod assemblies to their steering rack whilst still on the car, if so anything to look out for please?

[Arthropraxis]

I did the inner and outer tie rods with the steering rack still on the car. Nothing tricky, that I remember.

[Techno Duck]

Its pretty easy to do on the car. Check the section that threads onto the rack, if the tie rods were installed correctly the last time the ends should be peened. You may need a small chisel to break that section off (sounds difficult but its very easy) to unthread the tie rod.

There is a tie rod removal tool available that makes installation and removal super easier if your willing to lay out the $50 for something you may use 2-3 times in your wrenching lifetime.. Inner Tie Rod Removal Set

I have a set and it makes it super easy to do.

[hoover]

Thanks for your replies, glad it can be done without removal. Just a bit concerned about straining the rack undoing and tightening the tie rod assemblies. Thanks for the tool link, although the shipping to the uk might be too much for the use it will get.

[Rasta Monsta]

You are right to be conerned. . .rack should be in a bench vise to protect the steering gear from tightening torque.

[hoover]

Yes, that is a worry, is there a torque figure for the assemblies?

[Rasta Monsta]

85 Nm/61 ft lb

[hoover]

Thanks for reply, it's very helpful, just got to see if I can counter the torque effect by gripping the rack without damage, looks like there maybe 2 flats to grip on the main shaft whilst tightening the tie rod assembly, not too clear in manual.