Inner tie rods
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 13
From: USA
Inner tie rods
I have a clunk that seems to be from the driver side inner tie rod end. Will this be hard to change? Do I need new boots? Is it safe to drive until I put it up for winter? Thanks for the help.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 157
Likes: 2
From: Fayetteville Ga
When you say inner tie rod end, I assume you mean the rear tie rod(s)? When does this clunk noise occur? The 'ole fashioned tie rod check is to raise the car, grab the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock and see if there is movement.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Originally Posted by TimV SR
I have a clunk that seems to be from the driver side inner tie rod end. Is it safe to drive until I put it up for winter?
So assuming its the front tie rod, cause its unlikely you knew you had tie rod ends in the rear. You'll have to pull the steering rack to replace, or your a contortionist. Either way a new boot is not required.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 21
From: Franklin TN
Originally Posted by TimV SR
I have a clunk that seems to be from the driver side inner tie rod end. Will this be hard to change? Do I need new boots? Is it safe to drive until I put it up for winter? Thanks for the help.
I had the same problem on my 95. When it was checked it turned out to be the rack and pinion itself, not the tire rod end. Replaced the rack and pinion which came with new tire rod ends, problem solved. Hope that is not your problem because it was a five hundred dollar fix. Good luck
Gooseit
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Yea, the inner tie rods cannot (correct me if I'm wrong here) be replaced by themselves. You must pull the rack and buy a rebuilt one. These come with all new boots & inner tie rods.
I'm surprised that MAM sells the inner tie rods as a stand alone item. I've got a bent inner tie rod (don't ask) and have been advised by 2 different corvette specialty shops that you need to pull out the rack.
And that's what I'm having done today $$$
I'm surprised that MAM sells the inner tie rods as a stand alone item. I've got a bent inner tie rod (don't ask) and have been advised by 2 different corvette specialty shops that you need to pull out the rack.
And that's what I'm having done today $$$
Last edited by Mr. Peabody; Oct 6, 2005 at 01:53 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,775
Likes: 138
From: cyberspace NY
inner tie rod ends are replaceable. you pull the rack, remove the boot, and replace the inner rod end. Rockauto has moog inner tie rod ends. I am doing mine soon.
Sure you can replace the rack, but some rebuilders don't replace inner rod ends. They do minimal rebuilds.
Sure you can replace the rack, but some rebuilders don't replace inner rod ends. They do minimal rebuilds.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
I have searched but haven't found exactly how you replace the front inner tie rod once you have the steering rack out. I know you must remove the boot and use a special tool correct? Any links or info about this special tool? I need to replace my inner tie rods and don't mind removing the steering rack, but don't really think I should replace the whole steering rack, it seems fine.
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Are you saying that once I have it out it will be obvious, all I have to do is check the mounts? Or are you saying check the steering rack mounts while I am at it?
When I got my last alignment the shop said the lower ball joints on both sides and the inner tie rod on the passenger side need to be replaced. I know I can do it myself, but I like to have an idea as to what I am getting myself into and I still don't have an idea of how to remove the inner control tie rod from the steering rack.
When I got my last alignment the shop said the lower ball joints on both sides and the inner tie rod on the passenger side need to be replaced. I know I can do it myself, but I like to have an idea as to what I am getting myself into and I still don't have an idea of how to remove the inner control tie rod from the steering rack.
Last edited by Decat; Jul 18, 2014 at 11:19 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 30
From: Granite City Illinois
On my other car everyone told me since the day I bought it that the inner tie rods cant be replaced you have to change the whole rack.
Well I saw it done last year without removing the rack.
Please are you sure the rack has to come out to replace inner tie rods?
And is it proper to call inner tie rods ends? To me I think its a cause of confusion.
Well I saw it done last year without removing the rack.
Please are you sure the rack has to come out to replace inner tie rods?
And is it proper to call inner tie rods ends? To me I think its a cause of confusion.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
I found this thread with most of the info I was looking for:
forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-general-discussion/1795303-96-replacing-inner-and-outer-tie-rod-ends-2.html
It appears you can replace the front inner tie rods without removing the rack.
I checked with my local Pepboys and they do in fact loan out the inner tie rod tool for free. It is an $80-$100 tool. Time to order some parts and loan out that tool from Pepboys.
forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-general-discussion/1795303-96-replacing-inner-and-outer-tie-rod-ends-2.html
It appears you can replace the front inner tie rods without removing the rack.
I checked with my local Pepboys and they do in fact loan out the inner tie rod tool for free. It is an $80-$100 tool. Time to order some parts and loan out that tool from Pepboys.
