Outer Tie Rod End wont Twist!

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Nov 26, 2011 | 09:44 PM
  #1  
Just completed replacing upper and lower ball joints. Was replacing outer tie rod ends while I was at it. Drivers side no problem. Passanger side outer tie rod end won't twist off the inner rod. Jam nut is loose. Have hit it with PB Blaster for a few hours. Two people using pipe wrenches twisting in opposite directions could not get this thing to move.
Any suggestions? Is heat the next best option.
I am so close to finishing if I can just get this thing off.
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Nov 26, 2011 | 10:03 PM
  #2  
mapp gas torch. couple minutes of heat then wrench it like you are. it will be stiff but will come off.
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Nov 26, 2011 | 10:46 PM
  #3  
agreed, gonna have to either heat it up or remove the whole piece
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Nov 26, 2011 | 11:32 PM
  #4  
That's a problem I don't think I've ran across yet. I also don't live in a rust area. Usually they spin right off when you loosen the jam nut. If all else fails you can buy the inner tie rod end and change it as well.

I don't mean to insult your intelligence, so please don't take it that way, but are you turning it the right way? Toward the left? Just something to double check.
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Nov 26, 2011 | 11:39 PM
  #5  
Quote: I don't mean to insult your intelligence, so please don't take it that way, but are you turning it the right way? Toward the left? Just something to double check.
Its safe to assume that after doing all the ball joints and the other tie rod end(all with hand tools I am proud to say) we are spinning it the right way.
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Nov 27, 2011 | 03:18 AM
  #6  
Quote: I don't mean to insult your intelligence, so please don't take it that way, but are you turning it the right way? Toward the left? Just something to double check.
Ha ha ha ha ha I can't even remember how many times I've been in an twisted up position fighting with a bolt and then realize I was wrenching it the wrong way. I think the brake caliper adapter bolts get me the most often.

Spydergt1, I had some trouble when I replaced mine, half a can of WD40, and stripped about half of the 'splined' section on the inner tie rod but nothing as serious as your situation. I've never had to use heat before to remove a stubborn bolt so I don't have any tips with that technique. Good luck with it.
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Nov 27, 2011 | 07:58 PM
  #7  
Quote: mapp gas torch. couple minutes of heat then wrench it like you are. it will be stiff but will come off.
You nailed it.
I bought a Mapp Gas Torch Kit from Home Depot. About 5 minutes of heat until it started to glow and it twisted right off. Stiff as you said but it came off.

Thanks guys
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Nov 28, 2011 | 08:57 AM
  #8  
Glad you got it!

mapp gas is just as important as the socket wrench when you get to working on cars IMO. propane works but takes longer. much easier to find though.

PB Blaster is right there too.

If i am getting into something like tie rods etc then i usually start soaking with PB the day or two before. Makes a good difference!
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