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Cannot for the life of me figure out how to unpunch the inner tie rod. In the video you can see that there is a punch down preventing it’s removal and the worst thing is that it’s punched down underneath as well.
It’s already cramped in there, frame is in a way and I have little to no leverage to use any kind of wrench other than a pair of vice grips which need to be turned to the loosest setting in order for me to clamp it down which in turn only spins around the tie rod nut.
So am I going to have to drop the entire steering rack or is there a way to unpinch this because as it stands the inner tie rod removal tool is useless. Next move is too get a dam dremel and try to cut that flange off somehow
Tons of videos saying * well if ya get yer boot off you get yer tie rod tool n put that sucker on therr it comes right off ( takes off tie rod with relative ease).. This version is not that easy
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I think you’re looking too far inboard. In the video, the larger part on the left is where you need to put the wrench. Put those ChannelLocks back in your plumbing toolbox and borrow an inner tie rod tool set from your auto parts store.
Agreed with relative. Sometimes the rental ones don’t fit. Try them 1st but if they don’t. I know Autozone sells on more like a u bolt with 3/8 drive placement. More ooain but works
If you have to torque hard to get it off, have helper use channel locks with towel to try and help hold steer rack from twisting
[quote=”jjohnson1″ post=184512]Autozone sells on more like a u bolt with 3/8 drive placement. More ooain but works[/quote]
Called a crowfoot wrench, I believe.
Thank you for clarification Relative. If that is what it is called be careful not to confuse with the Crowfoot wrenches that come it set and look like wrench tips. This one clamps on with bolts to inner tie rod. I don’t know about Malibu, however I helped two guys on Dodge ram and Chevy Cobalt that had to buy them because rental with adapters did not work. I bought one to have for future and have not need since….
[quote=”jjohnson1″ post=184516]Thank you for clarification Relative. If that is what it is called be careful not to confuse with the Crowfoot wrenches that come it set and look like wrench tips. This one clamps on with bolts to inner tie rod. I don’t know about Malibu, however I helped two guys on Dodge ram and Chevy Cobalt that had to buy them because rental with adapters did not work. I bought one to have for future and have not need since….[/quote]
Sounds like I may have misinterpreted what you’re describing. Can you send a link/image? Might be helpful to me and/or OP.
Oh god. The drivers side is even worse with absolutely NO ROOM to work. I managed to get the passenger side off
You NEED to undent the areas on the tie rod flange before removal is even considered. Please look at the video again. Once undented it twisted right off.
Ive already rented the tool and spent half a day trying to remove it only to find those two PUNCHES in the tie rod.
Did gm intend a rack replacement instead? I dont get how anyone can fit in here and undo the punches made.
Actually I think you guys are right. You don’t need to undo the punches but they certainly help a big deal. I thought this was next to Impossible without dropping the rack for a second. The service manual States to apply counterforce when removing the inner tie rod but extra torque definitely helped
[quote=”relative4″ post=184517][quote=”jjohnson1″ post=184516]Thank you for clarification Relative. If that is what it is called be careful not to confuse with the Crowfoot wrenches that come it set and look like wrench tips. This one clamps on with bolts to inner tie rod. I don’t know about Malibu, however I helped two guys on Dodge ram and Chevy Cobalt that had to buy them because rental with adapters did not work. I bought one to have for future and have not need since….[/quote]
Sounds like I may have misinterpreted what you’re describing. Can you send a link/image? Might be helpful to me and/or OP.[/quote]
Sorry Sunaj. I know we are right. The “big grey fastener” unbolts from the rack that you took the outward cap off of. I would try to put that back and crimp back down. You putt your tool over the grey head of inner tie rod and unscrew if from inside of rack and they can be really tight sometimes. I would suggest look at your new part so you can see what it looks like. As far as the counter force, see my above note about helper holding rack. Best of luck
There is an inner tie rod tool that looks like an exhaust clamp and is not that much money.It does work and I have one,$20.00 for it anywhere.I have used it about 3 times so far and has removed the inner tie rod end with no problems at all
[quote=”wafrederick” post=184544]There is an inner tie rod tool that looks like an exhaust clamp and is not that much money.It does work and I have one,$20.00 for it anywhere.I have used it about 3 times so far and has removed the inner tie rod end with no problems at all[/quote]
jjohnson1 provided a link to it 2 posts up.
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