Tie Rod Problems-8880Q--need answers--please

[Huw Powell]

> Have brought my car to get aligned (wobbles during
> highway driving)to three different places. All of these
> places have tried to adjust my tie-rods but the bolts
> are frozen.

> 1) Do I really need the full two tie rod
> assemblies? Could I get away with just the ends? Or can
> I loosen them up some way?

considering that the adjusting nut is part of the inner end, if it's
like my '89 90Q, yes.

> 2) How
> difficult is the procedure of putting the new rods in? I
> should be getting them on Thurs. and I need to road trip
> on Fri. Is it worth the risk? or should I just bring
> them down to the wrench?

It is not difficult, really.

Tha car should probably be on jackstands...

There is a big nut and bolt (exact setups vary slightly) at the inner
end, and the outer is your typical tie rod end - remove the lock nut and
hope it falls out without much persuasion.  Considering you can whack
the tie rod in the middle with a hammer, it's a bit easier than most
fronts to get out.

Now, once they are out, a vice and some careful work might get those
nuts to turn.  Then reassemble after cleaning them up, threads and all,
might make them reusable, if the ends are still good.

otherwise, try to get hte new ones approximately the right length and
pop them in (new locknuts all around) and go for your alignment.


--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/