Black Max

Does anyone have instructions or a link online to a FAQ about how to install new outer tie rods for a 5 speed '98 Maxima?

I looked in the How-To's and did not find anything.

I'm not sure how to get the tie rod ends off from the steering rod. Any advice on how to do this or tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Black Max

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

The easiest way to rent a gear puller. Before you undo the tie-rod from the knuckle, loosen the locking nut on that secures the outer tie-rod end to the inner tie-rod. Then you just unscrew the old tie-rod end off and replace it with the new one and secure the locking nut again. You will definitely need an alignment after doing this work.

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

Here is a write-up - thanks to nick.

http://maxima.cardomain.com/memberpage/348507/13

Black Max

What would I use the gear puller for, getting the ends (with the ball joint) out of the hub?

It looks like I'd need a way to hold the inner rod still while I loosened the out tie rod, any tips on that?

dgeesaman

iTrader: (10)

HOWEVER, I strongly recommend you try to install the new ones to the same position as the old ones. take a paint marker or something and make a mark on the tie rod exactly some distance (say 10") from the center of the tie rod end. Then when you replace the tie rod end, screw it in until the center of the new one most closely matches the 10" distance. Then tighten it back up.

Indeed, you should have the car's alignment checked, but doing this should make the trip to the shop much less dangerous.

Also, pitman arm pullers and tie rod end pullers can do this job too.

Dave

BEJAY1

iTrader: (19)

Shops I've watched usually use vice-grips on the inner. On older rods they always need a torch to loosen em up too.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (10)

I recall the steering rod has a hex-shaped section that could be held securely with a wrench...unless I'm imagining things...

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

This is correct. There is a flattened out section on the inner tie-rod end that you can grip with vice-grips or a open ended wrench while unscrewing the outer tie-rod end. My outer tie-rod unscrewed quite easily - I was quite surprised.

The problem with marking the old spot is that I found my new outer tie-rod ends were actually physically a different size - i.e. longer - so I needed to thread them further along the inner tie-rod end. The idea is to approximate it as closely as possible so that you can avoid bad wear on your tires until you get an alignment (which should be as soon as possible after the work is completed).

Dubbya

iTrader: (16)

Loosen the Tie Rod End locking nut while everything is still connected. Then take out the cotter pin and remove the tie rod end castle nut. Hit the steering knuckle with a hammer until the tie rod end pops out. Usually 3 good firm wacks. Remove Tie rod end. Install new tie rod end. Install Tie Rod end into steering knuckle. Install catle nut and cotter pin. Done.

Also I just used a plain old adjustable cresent wrench to remove the tie rod end.

Black Max

Cool, thanks. That's perfect.