Thread: 95 grand prix

I was able to replace the ball joints but now want to tweak the left front toe. Do i have to remove the tie rod end and rotate it?
Or can I just rotate the tie rod shaft?
(getting different answers from area repair shops)

Originally Posted by promac

I was able to replace the ball joints but now want to tweak the left front toe. Do i have to remove the tie rod end and rotate it?
Or can I just rotate the tie rod shaft?
(getting different answers from area repair shops)

You have to actually move the tie rod end while the shaft stays stationary. Rotating the whole thing will do nothing. Who ever said it will I would stay as far away as possible from their shop.

thanks fastestGTP ... I meant rotating the tie rod end one or more complete revolutions after loosening the jam nut (and holding the tie rod shaft stationary)

in other words ... i can't believe you got to remove the tie rod end and rotate it holding the tie rod stationary every time you want to make a toe adjustment. (although some have stated that .. others say just rotate the shaft after loosening the jam nut but i'm worried that will over or under torque the inner tie connection (or can that rotate independently??)

did a little gas and rag clean up of the tie rod shaft and it became very obvious there's a squared out section machined about in the middle of the tie rod. turned the wheel hard right which gave me easier access to the front left jam nut .... after breaking the jam nut loose it was a piece of cake to rotate the entire rod (with the tie rod end attached to the wheel) and thread a rotation and a half for starters (i need to pull it in 5/16ths or so)

there was surprisingly little resistance as the thread is very fine and inner tie just rotated within the boot (didn't torque the boot as there's a lot of oil from a small leak up around the valve covers (my next project!!)