Inner Tie Rod Removal and Installation

[JWaldz]

^^^ bump for this question...

Reinstall boot. Use a new clamp. Also reinstall the old smaller clamp.

Could I get away with using a large hose clamp or do I specifically need this tool and clamp? If so, do automotive stores carry a general tool like this?

 

[spongerx]

I think a lot of people use hose clamps but you need to be sure that the boot won't tear on the hose clamp screw.

Many of the auto parts stores in my area do not carry these types of clamps (the type pictured) anymore. They seem to go back and forth between types. Lately they have been selling a different type so I'm stuck until they get them back. However, you might be able to get the type I used at home depot. I think I saw them there the other day..

I believe others have used zip ties without a problem. Just crank them down as much as possible.

 

[Stick Figure]

Safety wire is another decent alternative. You can pick up a set of safety wire pliers from Harbor for cheap 9" Safety Wire Twisting Pliers but they can be hit and miss with quality ( i know no surprise here) I have one set that works great for the cost and one set that I should just throw away.

 

[JWaldz]

I said screw it and just bought some 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hose clamps.. They worked really well!

 

[jacob7071]

I see the washer is bent down on the ITR next to the steering shaft. I assume that's to keep it from coming loose. Would some blue loctite work just as well? Or would that do more harm that good in that it would put too much stress on the steering shaft when you go to remove the ITR next time you replace it?

Same question for the OTR. Would blue loctite help between the inner and outer tie rods? Or do more harm than good?

Or should I only use blue loctite where the OTR attaches to the LBJ?

 

[cj80cruiser]

I see the washer is bent down on the ITR next to the steering shaft. I assume that's to keep it from coming loose. Would some blue loctite work just as well? Or would that do more harm that good in that it would put too much stress on the steering shaft when you go to remove the ITR next time you replace it?

Same question for the OTR. Would blue loctite help between the inner and outer tie rods? Or do more harm than good?

Or should I only use blue loctite where the OTR attaches to the LBJ?

No reason to use loctite on this.

I'd only use it on the (4) 14mm bolts that attach the ball joints to the spindle.

 

[dirtbike250x]

What is a good way to tell if the inners are going bad? I had the front end off the ground and both sides had play left and right, but the right side was recently done at an alignment shop.

 

[JWaldz]

Side to side wobble like you're experiencing.. It would be very noticeable. Would also have a slight shake or vibration driving at a specific speed. Speed varies but it's typically around 50.

 

[hrt4me]

Side to side wobble like you're experiencing.. It would be very noticeable. Would also have a slight shake or vibration driving at a specific speed. Speed varies but it's typically around 50.

noticeable in what specific manner?

 

[cj80cruiser]

New inner and outer tie rods are going on this week so I prepped by spraying all bolts with kroil today. I see that arkrwler used metal hose clamps but when I looked at my boots today I noticed there isn't a wide enough groove on the boot for a standard width hose clamp. Has anybody used plastic zip ties?

 

[jacob7071]

I used zip ties. It's only been 16 days, but they're still in place. Those boots are only stretched at or near full lock, so I don't anticipate it being a problem.

Just FYI, it was a PITA to remove the clamp without a pair of those clamp pliers. If I were to do it over again, I'd buy new boots and just tear the old ones off.

 

[white toy taco]

great write up! how does one know when the inner tie rod ends need replacing?

 

[shadow247]

I used zip ties. It's only been 16 days, but they're still in place. Those boots are only stretched at or near full lock, so I don't anticipate it being a problem.

Just FYI, it was a PITA to remove the clamp without a pair of those clamp pliers. If I were to do it over again, I'd buy new boots and just tear the old ones off.

I used black zip-ties as well for the inner clamp. A few thousand miles and a half-dozen runs to the beach and they are still hanging on.

 

[cj80cruiser]

great write up! how does one know when the inner tie rod ends need replacing?

If you disconnect the OTREs from the balljoint and the OTRE cant stay in place then its time to replace. Singtoe said that on one of these ITRE threads.

 

[white toy taco]

cool thanks

 

[LittleCaesar]

Just use new OEM hose clamps. Part # is 90460-62006 and list for around $7 each.

As long as one has a pair of these, clamping the new ones should take all of 30 seconds. Just make sure they are 9+ inch models:
Irwin 15-9LN Vise Grip 2-7/8-Inch Jaw Capacity 9-Inch Long Nose Plier with Wire Cutter - Amazon.com

 

[donkeyhoatie]

Getting ready to do this one along with the rack guide since I've got a lot of play going on in my steering. I know the OP used NAPA parts. Any problem using Autozone parts instead? They're closer to me and a bit cheaper. If it's a big dropoff in quality, I'll make the trip to NAPA instead, but thought I'd ask first.

 

[cordrayj1]

Getting ready to do this one along with the rack guide since I've got a lot of play going on in my steering. I know the OP used NAPA parts. Any problem using Autozone parts instead? They're closer to me and a bit cheaper. If it's a big dropoff in quality, I'll make the trip to NAPA instead, but thought I'd ask first.

dude. Toyota. do it once. do it right.

 

[JWaldz]

I used your basic everyday pipe hose clamp.. The kind you use a socket or screw driver to tighten. I think it works better. I wouldn't suggest plastic zip-ties. It may not come off but it's not tight enough and lets moisture, water, mud, etc etc in. This will reduce its life.

 

[cj80cruiser]

I ended up using zipties. The steering rack has a lip that the boot pops on and I feel those plastic zip ties are more than enough to hold it in place.

The metal clamp on the boots was loose enough that I could freely slide it around the shaft in order to get a better angle to cut the band off. My point is the zipties are holding just as tight and soft enough (vs metal) to be less likely to cut the boot IMO. The metal hose clamps are probably fine as well. The boot seemed to be fairly durable and held up to a lot of pulling and twisting.