Re: alfa-digest V9 #250

[Iopsycheng@domain.elided]

Hey gang.
I just put the 1991 164L we've owned since last March back on the road and 
one of the repairs was to replace both the inner and outer tie-rod ends.
First a lesson in tools. A "pickle fork" is a tie-rod/ball joint end 
separator. Basically it is a beveled "U" shaped tool which is wedged between 
the ball on the tie-rod and the steering knuckle and then struck with a 
hammer. In normal use it will destroy a tie-rod end but aren't you taking 
them off to replace them anyway? There are other ways to separate ball joints 
and tie-rod ends and there are special tools sold at Sears, Snap-On, etc., 
that will accomplish the same job using leverage without destroying the rod 
end. Contrary to what other people may tell you DO NOT hit the threaded end 
of a tie-rod end or a ball joint. It can cause internal damage which could 
result in the catastrophic failure of the joint. Anyway...
I found the threads on the old outer tie-rod ends to be too rusty to salvage 
the jam nuts. I bought new inner and outer ends and then went to a good 
fastener store and replaced the jam nuts for the outer tie rod end. I removed 
the inner tie-rod ends with a large pair of channel locks because damage 
wasn't an issue. I cleaned the threads with carb cleaner and a small wire 
brush and installed the new inner tie-rods with blue loctite. I tightened 
them with channel locks by wrapping the round part with several layers of 
duct tape so I wouldn't mar the end. Liberally coat the threads of the new 
inner tie-rod ends with anti-seize, install the jam nuts and screw on the new 
outer tie-rod ends. A close alignment can be made by counting the threads 
behind the jam nut or measuring the old tie-rod end before disassembly. I 
preferred to assemble the inner and outer tie-rods on the bench before I 
installed them on the car. 
When you are separating the tie-rod or the ball joint be sure to take the nut 
all the way off before separating the taper. 
Thomas 
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