Tie rod removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 129
Likes: 26
St. Jude Donor '21
Tie rod removal
Hi everyone. This is my first time to work on my Corvette steering linkages under the car. I want to rebuild my drag link, and am in the process of trying to remove it so I can rebuild it on a bench. I'm trying to first remove the RH inner tie rod--got the cotter pin out and the castle nut off, then tried a puller and a few medium whacks with a hammer and got nothing so far. Question: Do I need to also loosen the RH outer tie rod to remove the inner tie rod? It seems the outer tie rod cotter pin on the castle nut is rusted off and so that's going to be another issue. Thanks for any advice you have.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 139
Likes: 49
From: Pachuta, MS
First soak the joint in penetrating oil and let it sit overnight. Make sure that you do not whack the tie rod end stud but rather from the side where it goes through the link (inner) or steering arm (outer). It shouldn't be necessary to remove the outer but if you have rusting components, it's probably in need of everything. If all else fails, a pickle fork on a pneumatic hammer will probably get it and finally apply heat (carefully and with fire extinguisher handy). I'm betting letting the penetrating work in combination with your puller will do the trick ... and think happy thoughts. Corvettes are sensitive beasts.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,610
Likes: 3,633
From: Central Arkansas
I tighten them, whack the bolt head with a hammer, tighten again, and they pop off.
