Re: 4000 series / UrQ tie rod removal - question.

[Eric Maxon <emaxon@megsinet.net>]

Andrew Finney wrote:

> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>  Anyhow, just venting.  I looked in EC's article on the 4kq
> front
> suspension rebuilt.  FOr the Tie-Rod replacement they say,
> "remove two
> inner bolts and then remove tie-rods" or something like that.
> ANyone else
> have similar problems.
>
>  Todd Phenneger   aka: Zarati
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
> I'm about to replace the tie rods on my UrQ and I remembered
> doing the job on my old '82 coupe. Can anyone answer the
> question: Do you have to remove the tie rod carrier bracket
> from the steering rack before removing the tie rods from the
> bracket? I seem to remember that there isn't enough clearance
> to remove the tie rod bolts as they hit the steering rack
> bellows. Anyone have any suggestions.
>
> Andrew Finney
> 1983 UrQ.

Yes, absolutely-- you must remove the bracket from the rack to remove
the inner tie rod ends from the bracket.  The "bolts" that hold the tie
rods to the bracket are actually splined studs pressed into a small
plate that sits between the inner tie rod ends and the body of the
rack-- there is not enough clearance to push the plate back far enough
to dislodge the studs from the inner tie rod ends.  ***Don't lose and
don't forget to properly reinstall the NUTS on the bottom of the two
bolts that hold the bracket to the rack.  (It is possible to remove the
bolts without even noticing the nuts are there-- they'll fall onto the
top of the transmission when you remove the bolts.)  Torque the bolts to
33ftlbs, then install the nuts and torque them to 33ftlbs.  Don't even
think of trying to remove the outer tie rod ends without removing the
whole tie rod and clamping it in a vise-- you'll never be able to do
it.  It sounds like you've got whole new tie rods-- that's good.  The
adjsuting studs often break when trying to remove the outer ends, and
are generally not available as separate parts.  You'll save yourself
worlds of hassle replacing the tie rods as complete assemblies.

good luck.  (this job's not much fun, and you'll be LUCKY if you can
preserve your toe in setting.)

Eric.