I need to change out my steering tie rod ends

[SugrueNSX]

I need to change out my steering tie rod ends and I think I need a puller. What type do I need and where should I get it?

Thanks,

Patrick

 

[Larry Bastanza]

If you are changing the ends then you can use a "fork", I think some call them a pickle fork. This will wedge in between the arm on the front knuckle and the tie rod end. You will smack it with a hammer.

The caution about using this is as follows.

1. you destroy the tie rod end, so once you start you are commited
2. Since the arm on the front knuckle is aluminum, it has a bushing insert. You want to be sure the fork you use contacts the insert, NOT the outer arm area. If it does you will pull the insert and have a problem.

For me sometimes these tie rod ends come out with one shot, but sometimes that are just a PITA.

BTW Honda at one time did make a specific puller for these, but discontiued it and now offers the same tool as the one for removing the bigger ball joints, but I think it is too big and does not always grab the insert. As long as you know going in you will be replacing the tie rod end the fork works fine if used with caution. This has been my experience.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[SugrueNSX]

OK thanks.
I don't like the forks. They are a bit too cave man in my mind. I found the puller at Acura but they want $200 for it. I found a knock off online for $50 and I will let you know how it went once I get it.


Regards,

Patrick

 

[Larry Bastanza]

If that is the way you wish to go, MAKE SURE you have the nut installed on the threaded part of the tie rod end when you try to press it out. If you do not and bend it, you will be using the fork and hopefully it will come apart.

Frankly, I thought just like you in the past, did not like the fork, well after many of them I have been enlightened. I am now a caveman....LOL

Regards,
LarryB

 

[SugrueNSX]

If that is the way you wish to go, MAKE SURE you have the nut installed on the threaded part of the tie rod end when you try to press it out. If you do not and bend it, you will be using the fork and hopefully it will come apart.

Frankly, I thought just like you in the past, did not like the fork, well after many of them I have been enlightened. I am now a caveman....LOL

Regards,
LarryB

Thanks for the tip.
When I worked on my old mini I used to undo the nut until it was flush and just hit it with a hammer and that worked every time. I tried that and it did not work and I don't want to hit it too hard.
I will let you know how it goes.
I am planning on counting the turns to unscrew the tie rod end and screw the new one on the same number of turns so the tow is the same. Do you think that will work?

Thanks,

Patrick

 

[Larry Bastanza]

The "smack with the hammer" trick will not work on these. Only on cast iron arms does that work.

As far as adjustment, maybe the turn count thing will get you close. Note the steering wheel position, if when you are done it is off center, just adjust slightly until you are back to where you started. This is assuming you are only changing one tie rod end. If not you must align it IMO.

I would always do an alignment check regardless.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[SugrueNSX]

The "smack with the hammer" trick will not work on these. Only on cast iron arms does that work.

As far as adjustment, maybe the turn count thing will get you close. Note the steering wheel position, if when you are done it is off center, just adjust slightly until you are back to where you started. This is assuming you are only changing one tie rod end. If not you must align it IMO.

I would always do an alignment check regardless.

HTH,
LarryB

Yes I think I will have it aligned to be safe. I got the puller from etoolcart.com and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality I doubt the “real” one is any better. It’s a very solid bit of gear. The joint came apart easy with a satisfying crack. I did what you said with the nut. I will do the other side on Saturday.

Thanks for the reply

Regards,

Patrick