maximnick97's 1997 Nissan Maxima on CarDomain

Tools needed:
-Lisle inner tie rod tool #45750
-gear pulley for disconnecting outer tie rod from steering knuckle
-open end wreanch: 22mm,13mm
-1/2inch breaker bar,
-19mm socket with driver
-cotter pins/zip ties
-Optional: new inner tie rod lock plate(from dealer)

1)remove wheels, support the car
2)remove cotter pins from outer tie rod
3)remove castle nut using 19mm socket

4)remove wire and clip from steering rack boot.

5)count the # of threads visible on tie rod shaft.
6)loosen the nut on tie rod shaft using 22mm open end wreanch

7)using gear puller disconnect outer tie rod from steering knuckle

8)slide the boot off the tie rod

9)using the inner tie rod tool find the crow foot wreanch and position it on the crow foot nut on the inner tie rod

10) slide the tool over tie rod shaft and engage it on the crow foot wreanch

11)using 1/2inch breaker bar ,brake the inner tie rod loose and remove from steering gear.

Installation:
1)apply locktite to threads

2)install new locking plate
(I have reused old one)

3)thread the tie rod back into steering gear
4)pay attention to position of locking plate, it should engage in grove of the steering rack

Just make sure it is tight and it secures the inner ball joint of the inner tie rod.

5)using the tie rod tool tighten the tie rod to 58-72ft-lb
6)apply general purpose grease to tie rod shaft at the points where it meets the boot.
7)slide the boot over tie rod and secure it back to steering gear
i've used zip ties - much easier to move around in tight space

8)position the 22mm nut back to original number of threads
9)reattach the outer tie rod/castle nut and cotter pin
10)tighten the 22mm nut
11) get your wheels back on and
align the car ASAP !!!

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Posted by: DARQMX

02/10/2009, 08:17pm

hey good write up on the inner tie rod but I just want to say a few things.

If you are desperate. You don't need an inner tie rod tool to take off the old one. You can use an Air chisel if you have one. (It is the old one so it is ok)

You really don't have to put grease on the steering gear if there is some grease already there, but good idea on the locktite. I did not do that.

You only need the locking plate just like you shown. The dealer inner rod may come with a washer, You can toss it.

And last but not least. You will need a prybar or something to put the outer back on if you don't have a tierod press kit. It sucked for me until I got a prybar with help from my bastard uncle. lol

I used 2 zip ties because it made a better clamp for the boot. Also you forgot to note that they can just snip the mechanical wire it is not needed and will not be useable again.

Also if you are still getting a clicking sound. The outers are bad. It turns out that my Inner was fine but I replaced it because I thought it was the inner. It turns out it was the outers. =[ lol