Noob needs clue on tie rod removal.....

[NM_Shooter]

Doggone it... I'm stuck.

I'm replacing the ball joints on my 97 4runner, and using a fork to separate the tie rod from ball joint result in torn boots on the tie rod ends. Looks like they have a bit of slop in them as well. I'm trying to figure out how to best remove the tie rods from the steering rack without screwing up the rack too.

questions... to loosen the lock nuts on the tie rod ends, is one left hand thread and one right hand thread?

Any tips on how to do this? I'm tempted at this point to replace the ball joints, bolt up the existing tie rod ends, and bring the thing to the alignment shop and let them do the tie rod ends.

Any help appreciated.....

Thanks.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

I just did an entire front end rebuild and posted a bunch of information on it in my build thread...

Click this link and start reading:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...toyota-4runner-build-thread-6.html#post931136

You will find links to write-ups (step by step instructions) on replacing all of the parts you are asking about. I think if you read up on the write-ups and what's in my thread, most of your questions will be answered.

There's lots of pictures too.

 

[tbst]

This one is really good.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/102959-inner-tie-rod-removal-installation.html

Found it by searching tie rod replacement.

 

[NM_Shooter]

Excellent help.. thank you!

Got the tie rod ends off, and I was surprised how easily the lower ball joints came off compared to the tie rod ends.

Got one new ball joint bolted on and torqued down, but had to torque the castle nut to about 120 to get the cotter pin down.

A little nervous about this, as this is my first ball joint R&R.

Hoping that the sqeaking noise that I heard was the ball joints and not the rack. The old joints seemed to be well lubed and moving easily.

I'll know tomorrow!

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[tbst]

Yeah I had o torque both them way way down too. I wouldn't worry about it.