Correct Tie Rod End Installation Tool?

[Chunkerz]

I'm installing new tie rod ends, so I picked up this tool at work:


Unfortunately, the stud just spins when I turn the nut, no matter how tight I make the tool. What have you guys used to install new tie rod ends? Am I just using the tool wrong?

Thanks,
Jeff

[s14kev]

That is for removing the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. It's not used when installing.

Install is simple. The morse taper on the ball joint stud is placed through the hole in the steering knuckle and the nyloc or castellated nut is tightened down to install.

[Chunkerz]

I see. Well that taper isn't doing anything to hold the stud in place while tightening the nut. I'll try tapping it in then tightening the nut.

[944 Ecology]

Use a bit of pressure from a floor jack to press the tapered end of the ball joint into the steering knuckle. That will keep it from spinning.

[callmethewander]

is there a torque value for the nyloc nut?

[88Silver924S]

Not sure if this is accurate or applies to your application but it is a nice picture of clean parts. See posting #3 from Techno Duck (four years ago):

Torque for strut, ball joints etc (replacing steering knuckle)

Good luck & have fun.

[Volhv]

I'd use a castelated nut and cotter pin. Not a big fan of the nylock nuts on tie rod ends. If you put any grease on the tapered pin, clean it off. As mentioned before, there should be enough friction to stop it from spinning, plus, the more you tighten the nut, the deeper the tapered pin will go.

[Dean924s]

Water pump pliers to put pressure on the ball joint when tightening them down always works when ever I have that issue and that is only when I am dealing with older ones. New ball joints are usually so tight that they don't spin.