Since both the dealer and a general tire service center seem to charge a lot for the replacement of my left outer tie rod (325.00 & 160.00 respectively) I’m thinking of doing it myself. From what I can tell it’s pretty simple to do. Has anyone had any problems replacing the outer tie rods? Do I need any special tools?

 

U WILL NEED A PICKLE FORK AND A IMPACT GUN TO PUT ON AND OFF THE NUT
JUST MARK THE OLD TIE ROD WHERE IT IS ON THE STEERING ROD SO WHEN U PUT THE NEW OTTER ROD ON IT WILL ALMOST BE THE SAME

 

pickle fork?

 

There's a simple ball joint separator which is termed "pickle fork." Wedge it between after removing the nut and smack with a hammer. Fast and simple method that'll kill the dust seal.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-6535.html

If the ball joint is to be reused, the you would use this type:
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-7503.html

You should not use a impact gun to tighten nut. Use a torque wrench.

 

That's what I figured a pickle fork was, just never heard it called that.

I knew the impact wrench comment wasn't correct especially since a torque spec is given.

 

I Finally got around to replacing the tie rod. I do have a question still

After removing the old tie rod and noticing how destroyed it was I put the new one on. In the Hanyes manual it says to engage the ball joint. Does this just mean that I've got to put the nut on and torque it to spec or did I miss something completely? I'd like to know in case I need to adjust something before I go in for an alignment.

 

Did you count the turns taking the old one off?
Then count the same number putting the new one in?

If so then tighten the nut on the inner tierod to outer.

Then install the end into the Hub and tighten the nut and you are done.

 

Yup I counted; the alignment was off before I started, so unless I'm just awesome it's still off, if not more so.

So no special procedure for attaching the tie rod to the hub? Stupid Haynes for making sound more complicated on the easy stuff and easy on the complicated stuff.

 

Just slide through the Hole and install and tighten the nut.