I just got new tires and it's pulling ever so slightly to the right. I know we don't have a cast/camber adjustment so to save the $60 (rather buy beer) I figured I would make the adjustment to the tie rod myself. Well I got it all apart and the bolt would not move and I had no leverage since I disconnected the tie rod end from the wheel.
I made a trip to home depot and bought a bigger wrench, here's my questions:

1. Instead of taking off the tie rod end from the wheel and spinning it (the 6" end) can I just loosen the lock nut on the longer rod and spin the rod itslef (the one that goes into the cars rack) This would allow me to keep the wheel on. Less work and more leverage/support while whaling away on that frozen nut.

2. Will applying force to that nut torque and break the unsupported tie rod end. As I turn the nut which is 6" in from the wheel, the tie rod that is a ball joint tilts to a weird angle...am I strong enough to damage something- the nut is on really tight From the outside looking in, I'm going clockwise to loosen right?

3. Roughly, I dont hav a torque wrench, how tight do you tighten the nut thats opposite the tie rod ends ball joint- it holds the rod end to the wheel- the one with the cotter pin. Just snug or really tight?

 

How much did you spend on tires?

 

Why does the saying "penny wise, pound foolish" come to mind???

 

You are kidding right ? You are trying to do a DIY front end alignment on a 20K dollar car with 600 dollars worth of new tires and you have no idea of what you are doing ?
Am I the only one shaking my head ?

 

That's why I wondered how much he spent on them. Maybe he bought used tires.

 

No, you're not the only one. He will end up spending more than what he tried to save so let him buy the beer.

 

well, i often do the alignment myself, even when i installed the camber(?) kit bolts...

 

Well, I see there's a lot of luv in this post- either that or you all don't have the 1st clue on how to offer help because you probably don't know the answers to my questions.

Firstly, I have a clue- the tires are brand new Falken ZE512's. I hit a pot hole, which caused the front right tire to blow out the sidewall, so I know it's an adjustment on the right side. I replaced both front tires. The backs are already new. Secondly, I know it is just a minor tie rod adjustment which, unlike your comments is a piece of cake. I was asking a technical question on a prodcedure. Anyway not a big deal. It's funny though, you will applaude guys when they drop in nitrous, install a new engine, f$#%$ with their ECU, Intakes, Y pipes and make all kinds of mods, I asked a question about adjusting a simple bolt an all of a sudden I'm ruining my car. Sorry if I don't run to the dealer or my local shop when I hear a noise- it's my Max and I like to work on it myself- it's not just the $ it's about pride in ownership and enjoying working on it myself.

Buy a man dinner, he eats for a night, teach him how to fish and he eats for a lifetime-

 

Agreed I avoid mechanics like the plague as well and am a big believer in being a shade tree mechanic. I don't claim to be an expert on alignments, but I can tell you this: alignments are cheap and about impossible to get perfect without professional equipment.

Maybe someone on the org can walk you through, but with brand new tires? I'd play it safe and take it to a shop you can trust.

 

I think the answer is take it to an alignment shop.

 

You still need an alignment machine to know when the adjustment is within specs. I like working on my own car as well but there are some things that I am unable to do. Did you mount and balance your own tires? It's your money and car so it's your concern.

 

You hit a pothole hard enough to blow out a tire, your car now pulls to one side, and you "know it is just a minor tie rod adjustment". Ummm...ok. It your money. I'm all for DIY work and I do just about everything my self, including rebuilding engines. But I won't pull apart a trannie (out of my league) and I won't try to do my own alignment. If alignments cost hundreds of dollars I might be tempted to try the home-made alignment schemes you can find on the net, but you can get the front two wheels aligned at a decent shop fo $39.95 if you want to go the cheaper route (as opposed to a full 4-wheel alignment). I'm not trying to sound like an a$$, but the fact that you disconnected the tierod tells me you're already in over your head. But if you insist on proceeding, put the tierod back on, loosen the jam nut, and turn the tierod to adjust it.

 

Does the tie rod end just bolt up on the Maxima or is it a taper/friction get out the tie rod end tool type fit?

 

I hear you- I don't mean to snap at you guys, it's just a Sunday after a night of partying- Not the best state to be doing alingment (;

I just got off the phone with my friend who is a Firestone tech in fl., I'm in NJ- he said it sounds 99.9% like tire pull problem and NOT alignment. He set my alignment last year and said not to &^%^* with it, as long as the wheel is straight. If I djust only one side, he said th wheel will be crooked. I bought the tires online so if it is tire pull I may be out of luck. It's not that bad- I just like to have it perfect. Thanks for the input about adjusting the rod, you were right about that.