inner tie rod!

[ccmarnaj]

My question is that my wife took the car for an oil change and the guys there told her that the inner tie rod from the driver side was bad and needed to be replaced, they gave her an estimate of $200.00 plus tax. I went to the auto parts store and the price for the tie rod is $17 one and another one $40, can I buy it and replace it myself or this is something that it is better if a professional does it? Please let me know and thanks again for all your help.

[sonoma_zr2]

You'll want an alignment afterwards for peace of mind. Ask if they include that. I doubt it. If it does, then it would be an ok deal.

[ccmarnaj]

No, it is not included, you think I can do it myself?, Do I need special tools to do it?.

Thanks.

[00Beast]

Alignment? No, you cannot do it yourself in your driveway.

[The_Maniac]

I assume the inner tie rod on all cars with a steering rack are similiar as far as how to change (one bolt holding it to the rack, disconnect the outter tie rod from the strut, slid the thing out, spin the inner tie rod off the conneceting rod or sleeve, reverse with good part and done).

As stated, you will most definately want to get an alignment. Counting the turns when taking the tied off the connecting rod/sleeve should get you "close", but as said, piece of mind.

The challenging part is what you have to work around to disconnect the tie rod from the rack and anything that is "seized" up when disassembling.

[ccmarnaj]

I was checking videos online and they use a special tool to pull and install the rod in place, do I need that tool or can I use a wrench?

[Archon]

You might be able to get it with a wrench, but I'd count on having to use the inner tie rod tool. Most auto parts store have a loan-a-tool program where you can put a deposit to get the tool, then have the deposit returned when the tool is.

This is a post on how to remove it.
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 7&p=145998

[swiles]

you will need the inner tie rod tool you cannot get a wrench in there.

autozone rents the tool for 50 bucks and you will need to mark every thing and need an alignment
it is not hard to do

[ccmarnaj]

I have a question, since I have to change the struts, is it a good idea to replace them now since I'm going to change the tie rod?, are the struts easy to change?

Thanks.

[00Beast]

Yes, it would be a good idea, since you're going to need an alignment. Might as well do it all and get one alignment.

The hardest part about changing struts is getting the springs compressed and on and off.

[ccmarnaj]

is that hard?, how do you compress them?, is there somewhere where I can check the process?

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Spring compressor rental at any national parts store. It's refundable once you return it.

Struts are pretty simple. Unbolt the 2 giant bolts down below, unbolt the 3 small ones up top, remove the giant bolts, drop strut down, compress springs, remove top strut mount, transfer springs to new strut, put strut mount back on, reverse first few steps to re-install.

It helps to have an impact wrench or a 24" or longer breaker bar to break free the giant bolts at the bottom.

[ccmarnaj]

I think I'm going to change the struts too, front and back,but I was checking prices and there is different kind of struts, can you guys guide me what is the best option for me, the car is a '99 don't know if it is a good idea to spend more money than I need, please if you can give some options to what to buy or what is the best way to go. Thank you very much for all your help...

[Jrs3800]

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