Ok so I've searched on here&havent found much.I need to replace the tie rod adjuster sleeve.Do I need any special tools?Anybody done this before?

 

Heat will help and soaking it . But nothing special about that, except for an alignment after it's replaced.

 

I mean do I have to use a Pickle fork or a puller to disconnect the tie rod to the steering. Knuckle to get it off?

 

I would meaure the distance of the tie rod as a unit, then loosen the two hex nuts, and unscrew the sleeve until tie rods separate. Insert new connector and revers. no need to dislodge tie rod end unless it is worn.

 

Well you can try using a deadblow hammer (a steel hammer will mess up your threads) if you want, or if you can find a way to get some good leverage on it with a pry bar or something...


I spent $10 at harbor freight for a pitman arm puller and it works well for tie rod ends too.

 

Oh, sorry. One end is on the pitman arm, hard to get off for some. A pitman arm puller is required if you do it from that end. But if you remove the link from the other side, maybe just a hammer will break the tie rod end free, a fork will most likely damage the dust boot.

 

I separated the pitman arm side, and started counting half rotations until it came out. You could also mark it with ink. Anyway I counted the rotations putting the new one in, and all was well. Didn't replace that sleeve though.

 

Ive got it soaking in pb now...Im thinking since its the drivers side Ill thread it towards passengers side,dissconect tie rod,thread back towards drivers side till it comes off&then insert new one vice versa...

 

The two threaded ends going into the sleeve are oppositely threaded for adjustability (front end alignment) purposes, so when you turn it one way both sides will pull together, and the other way they will be forced out.

 

You also center the steering wheel with that adjustment. I hope the end of the tie rod and drag link are not bent as well.