Inner tie rod replacement

**michael redmon** · 09-09-2016

boots on an inner tie rod change....any tips before I begin? Do you use a zip tie or something after you destroy the original boot clamp? I went to take the car for an alignment and the tech showed how the inner tie rod on the passenger side is loose. It is a $20 part and I got the loaner tool. Going to do it whenever I get a free moment.

**Scottydoggs** · 09-09-2016

you need to remove the outer tie rod end, then the boot slides off, no inner tie rod tool is needed.

zip ties are what i used on mine when i changed the inner tie rod. boot has to come off to change the inner.

**michael redmon** · 09-09-2016

I'm I totally confused? Inner tie rod...you don't.need the special tool to remove from the rack?

**Scottydoggs** · 09-09-2016

i thought you meant the boot was torn up, lol

you need a gm inner tie rod tool to remove it. and a 1/2 drive ratchet or breaker bar to work the tool.

outer comes off, mark the lock nut, count the threads spray paint tape, what ever, then remove it then the boot comes off. then you put the tool to work.

before you replace the inner, match up the old and new and copy that mark over. reinstall the inner, then the boot, the lock nut to your mark and install the outer rod.

this will keep the alignment close, wont be perfect, but closer then guessing.

**michael redmon** · 09-09-2016

ok, cool. basically zip tie is good for boot on reinstall. I figure I would ask. thanks man

**michael redmon** · 09-17-2016

Damn boot isn't coming off!!

**Scottydoggs** · 09-17-2016

theres a small tube to the boot also, make sure thats free. if its stuck to the rack, pry it off with a pick or small screwdriver.

**michael redmon** · 09-17-2016

Got it off, real piA. I went to install inner and realized the loctite I thought I bought didn't make it into the bag. I have to quit until later.

**michael redmon** · 09-17-2016

Got it off, real piA. I went to install inner and realized the loctite I thought I bought didn't make it into the bag. I have to quit until later. I did have a slight amount of fluid come out when I removed the boot, small puddle. Suggestions? Stop leak or is that normal?

**michael redmon** · 09-17-2016

Thanks btw.

**Scottydoggs** · 09-17-2016

if the boot was wet the rack is leaking and its on borrowed time. you could try some stop leak stuff, it might help slow the leak.

**michael redmon** · 09-17-2016

Finished both sides. For the noobs out there here are some tips/mistakes I made:

The boot will come off, dont be a puss about it, just rotate back and forth. The white plastic piece needs to come off. I did both sides and the replacement tie rod knuckle is smaller than the OEM so I ended up throwing away one of the white plastic things....hopefully it doesnt matter, I cant imagine it does anything.

Really easy expect for me being too gentle with the boot and also the damn vent line is a PIA to get back on if you pull it out of the other side...dont do that.

**idrivejunk** · 09-17-2016

Thanks for the tips. I was gonna get the inner off a salvage rack I've got but couldn't find anyone who knew about the white thing. So that part is grip, yank, chunk then, huh? Good to know.