Tie Rod question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 18
From: Tulsa OK
Tie Rod question
One of my rear tie rod ends has some play in it, and I ordered a new one from Fred Beans. Can tie rod ends be replaced fairly easily or is it a difficult job and/or are special tools or equipment needed?
Thanks!
Bryan
Thanks!
Bryan
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 2
From: Elgin Il
havent done one on a C5, but on a C4 is probably similar.
You likely will need a fork to get the tie rod out. My local auto parts store (AutoZone) will loan you one. With that, its pretty easy.
Also should get an alignment after the replacement. I have heard you can get the new one installed close to the same as the previous, and it may be good enough. But an alignment is usually recommended.
You likely will need a fork to get the tie rod out. My local auto parts store (AutoZone) will loan you one. With that, its pretty easy.
Also should get an alignment after the replacement. I have heard you can get the new one installed close to the same as the previous, and it may be good enough. But an alignment is usually recommended.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 18
From: Tulsa OK
Thanks for the help. Actually, I had an alignment done about a week ago and that is how I found out it needs to be replaced. They said after I get the new one installed, they will re-allign that wheel.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver WA
I WOULD NOT use a fork because the spindle is aluminum. I just backed the nut off to the top thread and tapped it with a hammer and mine came lose pretty easy. Matter of fact, it seemed too easy. But if it's on real tight, then I would suggest a tool that presses it off. Don't be banging on it too hard with a heavy hammer.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 18
From: Tulsa OK
Originally Posted by RED99
I WOULD NOT use a fork because the spindle is aluminum. I just backed the nut off to the top thread and tapped it with a hammer and mine came lose pretty easy. Matter of fact, it seemed too easy. But if it's on real tight, then I would suggest a tool that presses it off. Don't be banging on it too hard with a heavy hammer.
So basically to remove the old tie rod, you remove the top nut, tap it out, and then unscrew it from the inner tie rod? Is that all there is to it? Sounds like a fairly easy job.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Originally Posted by RedRider98
So basically to remove the old tie rod, you remove the top nut, tap it out, and then unscrew it from the inner tie rod? Is that all there is to it? Sounds like a fairly easy job.
Don't forget to count the number of turns it takes to unscrew .... use the same number to install the new one. That'll keep the tires from wearing too badly until you get a re-align
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 226
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by RedRider98
So basically to remove the old tie rod, you remove the top nut, tap it out, and then unscrew it from the inner tie rod? Is that all there is to it? Sounds like a fairly easy job.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 18
From: Tulsa OK
one more question: I ended up with two new tie rod ends because Rock Auto told me they were out of stock and would cancel the order but they ended up shipping. I had already ordered through Fred Beans, so I now have two. I can return the one to Rock Auto at their expense, but is there any reason to replace both rears even though I was told only the right one has play in it? Or is it better to return one and get my money back?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 18
From: Tulsa OK
Originally Posted by muncie21
Since the labor to install is minimal, why not do both at the same time. The alignment after the fact is what's going to cost you...unless you bought a lifetime alignment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,201
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From: DP(oh you know where) IL
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by RedRider98
Thanks for the advice, I will just replace both sides now.
it'll give you a piece of mind knowing that one wont fail right after having replaced the other