98 Durango 5.2 4x4. I cannot find anything in the Haynes manual about this. Never done the tie rods/ends before. Can anybody give me a step by step to ensure that I don't F*ck this up?

I have done the brakes, rotors, shocks, and upper BJs before so I am comfortable in doing the TREs but don't have any guidance...

Thanks in Advance.

-Matt

 

i think hydra has done them, he should be able to point you in the right direction, but keep in mind you will need to get an alignment done after you do any front end work

 

Mattyp, most of the TREs have a little "scallop" in them to clear the wheel as it is turned. They will install on either side HOWEVER you need to get the scallop right or it WILL rub bad as sharp slow turns (think parking lot and backing out of a space.) Watch for the scallop and get the TREs on the correct side.

IndyD

 

Tape measure the distance between the outer surfaces of the wheels (treads) on the front middle of the tires and write them down. (Example 92") Then measure the distance on the rear of the front wheels middle section (Example 92 1/8").

Remove 1 wheel and tie rod with end. Keep both sections together (inner and outer on each side). DO NOT loosen the adjustment sleeves!

Assemble the new inner and outer. ensure the cut out on the new tie rod end is on the correct side (R & L) as Indy states. Put them together and compair them to the old ones to ensure approximate length.

Install the two sections new back and input into the steering knuckle.

Tighten to spec's and grease.

Measure the distances again and adjust back to previous measurements.

Now do the other side.


Finally, grease and 4 wheel align it.

 

Thanks for your speedy and very helpful replies. This truly is a great forum...

So The shop said I only neeed new INNER TRE's, do I have to do the outers? If not, then what changes in the step by step Hydra? Also, when I adjust them back (if necesarry) is that just turning the adjustment screw in the direction I need to adjust to?

Thanks again...

 

You would measure everything the same.

Loosen the adjuster nut 1 full turn ONLY and mark it.

Remove the Tie Rod end from knuckle and twist the tie rod end off.

Replace the tie rod end 1 turn from adjuster nut and in line of steering knuckle then place it in knuckle and torque.

Then bring adjuster nut to tie rod end.

Measure the distance between the wheels and adjust back to the same diameter.

Align it.

 

Great right up Hydra!
Just wanted to add that if you are having a problem keeping the inner TR to not spin, a pipe wrench worked great for me. It grabbed right ahold of the splines HTHSO.....

 

My Chiltons doesn't cover the torque spec on the inners. Can someone help?

 

Here ya go:

INNER TIE ROD END
REMOVAL

(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove outer tie rod end.
(4) Remove inner tie rod end from the center link

INSTALLATION
(1) Thread the inner tie rod end into the center
link (Fig. 4).
(2) Tighten the inner tie rod end to 68 N·m (50 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Install the out tie rod end.
(4) Install the tire and wheel assembly.
(5) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(6) Set wheel toe pattern, refer to Group 2 Suspension.

 

this new member is still using this thread..lol

Thanks again to all

Dave