Soon I plan on selling this car and trading up... but for now... since I have to keep driving it and it will increase the value some, I would like to fix all of the stuff wrong with it. Next weekend I plan on trying to overhaul the suspension.

I would like to replace the strut mounts and bearings. Replace the dangerously worn inner tie rod ends and outer since I am already down there. Add bump stops that were left off by previous idiot that put my struts on. Possibly replace the GR2s with Illuminas or AGXs if I can find a set and get them here by friday.

I would like some advice:
First off, I am not quite sure what replacing inner tie rods will entail. Outer I think I can handle, but inner I am not sure. Will I need some special tool, will I need to replace anything else while there? Will I have to remove a bunch of crap to get to them? Should I just go to O-Reilly and buy the tie rod ends they sell there or is this best left to nissan (keep in mind I don't want to spend a fortune here)

Second, Is there anything else that isn't too hard to replace that should be replaced (assuming that just about anything that could be worn out is).

also is it ok to just buy the KYB, Moog or Monroe stuff the sell at Oreilly?
And any other advice anyone can offer.

 

Yep, you'll need a tie rod tool. The one you can rent from Autozone I dont' think comes in the right size for a Maxima. My inner tie rod tool is by Lisle and it does come with the proper wrench size. It's easy to do but count on needing an alignment.

If you're interested I have a pair of original inner tie rods in good shape that you can have for *very* cheap.

 

What do you want for the tie rod ends? Also any suggestions on where to get the tie rod tool? Do you know what size it should be?

If you think you can get me the tie rod ends by friday I can paypal you right now.

(and in case you don't know your PM inbox is full)

 

What dgesaman said. I did my inner tie rod the other day; it was a total PITA to get back on though, even with the proper tool.

 

was it a PITA because you can't get in there or is it just that hard to get back in? I hope I can do this.

 

I've subscribed because I want to do something similar, although not as extensive probably. I know I need to replace my control arm bushings but thought a press was needed for a lot of these bushings.
Anyway...gonna get some es bushings off ebay.

 

Mine probably need replacing too, but I have also heard that you need to press off the bushings and I don't know exactly how to do that.

 

It was just a pita for me to keep the tool on the tie rod as I was screwing it back in.

Edit: that's what she said.

 

well I went ahead and ordered a bunch of stuff from Dave B.

Strut Mounts
Strut Bearings
strut boot/bump stop
spring isolators
inner tie rod ends
outer tie rod ends
Lock plates
tie rod boots
Nissan brake pads
brake hardware kits

I am going to do it all this saturday. dave didn't know what tool it was I need to use on the inner tie rods. I still am not quite sure what I am looking for. I assume it is a specially shapped wrench or something. Any advice on where to find this tool would be appreciated. Also if anyone around Houston has a set of Illuminas or AGXs they want to sell (in good condition) I might buy them from you. (if you can get them to me by friday!). I called performance peddlers and they still offer the $408 shipped deal for them, but there was no way they would have them to me by friday.

 

Here is the tool I used from NAPA. The bolt that comes with it is too short, so a trip to the hardware store is needed.

 

It's a lot bigger than I thought it would be (yes... another that's what she said moment). So do you just pull off the outer tie rod end and slip that thing over the inner and turn it out? I am going to have to figure this out as I do it. lol
The FSM doesn't have very good instruction on how to do this and unless I am blind I don't see it in the Haynes.

 

The autozones and Oreillys here do not sell or rent any tool that looks like that. There are no NAPAs in houston either. I have no idea where to find this tool. Do I really need it or will it be impossible to do this without it. I hate to go buy it online and pay for fast shipping and have a $65 tool I am never gonna use again.

Ok so I guess there are Napas in Houston but I've never seen one lol.

 

A tool is never an expense but an investment. figure you're paying 65 for the tool... How much are you saving by doing the tie rods yourself vs a mechanic. Besides you can then pop the tool on the forums and sell it... hey, who knows, that tool could make a few trips cross country being sold and bought by us members.

 

The Lisle one is better, that's the one I ended up getting, once you get the struts off, I don't think replacing anything is that bad...my biggest problem is/was getting the boots back on the inner tie rods. It has clips you put in as opposed to a bolt.

Motorvae has a great write-up...just look in the how-to section.

If you are going to keep the car for a while, you almost might as well get some performance/lowering springs, they're only ~$100 used, and not too much more new.

 

KYB is good, Dont bother with anything made by Monroe, Its a popular brand, but for close to the same price there is much better stuff out there

 

Can someone tell me what size the tool has to be to go on the tie rod tool? will this be good?
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-Inner-Ti...4084822&sr=8-4

 

You normally get all of the clips with the tool, so you'll have the right size.....but I can't say I remember which specific one it is.