Tie Rod Problem

[ColoradoCJ]

Today I tried to get my tie rod ends changed. I got the tie rod ends to drop out , and I got the drag link to fall out of the pitman arm, but I can't get the other end of the drag link to drop loose. I'm not up on the terminology, so here's a picture of what I'm talking about. This is just a picture I found on the internet, not my Jeep. If you were to raise the tie rod end up until the places that the arrows are pointing two were together, that is what my Jeep looks like now.. I'm trying to make it look like this picture.

I've hammered, sprayed lubricant, etc.. everything I can think of. Is this something I can heat up and not worry about messing up? I've never torched anything, but I guess there's a first time for everything. What is that called? Steering arm?

 

[mstar]

Correct.that would be the steering arm.If you removed the dust shield from the spindle you may be able to hammer from both sides to pop it loose.Or use a TRE fork.That may damage the dust boot but if your replacing the tie rod end no biggie.good luck

mike

 

[BusaDave9]

Use a steering linkage puller.

The above puller will work but I prefer this next puller.

You can get the above tie rod puller at most parts stores.

 

[ColoradoCJ]

The dust Book was already completely destroyed, so I'm not worried about it. I looked into the tie rod fork, pretty simple. I'll see which of the 3 my parts store has.

Thanks!

 

[ColoradoCJ]

Rented a Tie Rod Seperator/fork, whatever its called. What a beautiful thing!! And to think it was free

I already love this forum..

 

[CJ]

~~~ I already love this forum..

Me too!

 

[ColoradoCJ]

Just an update, I have finished the tie rod change and I'm really happy with the results. I didn't mention it earlier, but the nuts that were holding the passenger side tie rods in were completely loose and only being held on by the cotter pin. No bueno!! I measured my tires and I noticed the passenger side tire has less tread then my driver side. Should have checked things a lot sooner I guess.

But now that they are good, the turning is smoother and there are less suspension squeaks. I'm pretty happy with the results and pretty happy with myself.. even though it wasn't too hard lol.

Other than alignment and tire pressure, is there any reason one tire would wear out faster than the other? The previous tires were bald on the passenger side while the driver was still good.

 

[mtnwhlr]

The only other reason I can think of is not rotating them like you should.

 

[alpha6]

The previous tires were bald on the passenger side while the driver was still good.

Tell your passenger to stop eating so much.