End Link/Outer Tie Rod removal

Flying_NEB · Post by **Flying_NEB** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 6:40 pm

So, I got a broken end linke and I'm trying to replace it. I cannot loosen the jam nut for the life of me. Yes, I've sprayed with WD40. I can't get much leverage under there and I keep tightening my locking pliers on the tie rod but i still can't get the nut loose.

Does anyone have any tricks for this? I don't have real wrenches, so I'm using an adjustable cresent. I need to fix this asap so any help would be appreciated.

fixitmattman · Post by **fixitmattman** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 7:38 pm

Add heat.

Flying_NEB · Post by **Flying_NEB** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 7:49 pm

with what? The hottest thing I have is a hair dryer?

fixitmattman · Post by **fixitmattman** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:08 pm

Propane torch for starters

Or

If you're really good rub a pair of sticks together to start a fire

Or

Stick the broken rod end back over the ball to break the jam nut free

Or

Use a pipe wrench to hold the tie rod

Or

Hold the jam nut and try and loosen the piece of rod end (depending how it's broke)

It can be done with an adjustable, did mine in a parking garage with nothing more than a pair of adjustables and a hammer.

Wenuden · Post by **Wenuden** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:09 pm

invest in proper tools if you plan on doing it yourself on major (or even minor) projects. for this one, the proper size wrenches and a small propane or mapp torch will come in handy.

aperson · Post by **aperson** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:16 pm

Try taking two hammers, one bigger than the other, putting them on opposite flats on the nut then swinging the little one to try to break the rust loose. Trust me it works.

Flying_NEB · Post by **Flying_NEB** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:06 pm

Well, I had enough problems with it, so I towed it to the shop and had them fix it since I needed the alignment done anyway.