Is there any way to remove the inner tie rod ("steering rod") without taking the entire steering gear out of the car?? This is a major PITA... thanks in advance.

 

Remove the boot, you'll see the joint that basically unscrews from the rack. Turn the steering wheel all the way to that side so it's extended out. That will make your life much easier.

 

Thanks, I ended up loosening my entire steering rack, crossmember, motor mounts, sway bar, etc. and shifting it side to side to reach the fittings on the inner tie rods. HUGE hassle, took the entire weekend, and frankly the results didn't warrant the effort.

 

1991tsi y did you end up replacing you inner tie rods? my steering is very loose at higher speed i have a 96, i know they area overboosted power steering but damn its pretty bad.... i thought about replacing the inners might help so i wanted to ask y you replaced yours and how was it after your replaced it ?

 

there is a special tool for this job look at jcwhitney there you can find it




http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...p-3172/c-10101

 

yeah, that tool would be worthwhile, I spent an entire weekend on this project. There MUST be a way to tighten up the maxima steering because this did not do it. Any pumps swappable from a 240sx or something? Lower the fluid pressure somehow? Change pulley so pump is underdriven?