ThaboTheWuff

Finally getting around to changing my tie rods - decided to get both inner and outer (Myler - I know .... but I can't get my tires aligned as the shop says my tie rods are so worn .... )

Having trouble remove the inner tie rods - not able to loosen the 38mm bolt. Using a crows foot and doesn't appear to budge. Did not apply any magic PB blaster as not sure if it'll mess up the steering rack. Not able to source a beefier metric tie rod removal tool - all the ones at parts store are i inch and 7/16th it seems.

Any suggestions? I could always just replace the outer ones, don't see much play in the ball joints but hard to tell.

ThaboTheWuff

Also any comment on a youtube video I saw that says the opposite side needs to be restrained and the wheel turned in full lock. If so, I'm doing it all wrong. Wheels pointed dead ahead and opposite side not restrained.

silverd2

I easily removed mine by turning steering all the way out, counter-holding the rack (on the same side) with a wrench attached to the flat spot provided for this (22mm I think?) propped against suspension ... then broke the inner tie rod loose with a simple pipe wrench.

If you try too hard to break it loose without counter-holding the rack on the same side, you may very well destroy your steering rack.

>>>>

quattroworld.com Forums: Bentley never mentions tool sizes..just tool #'s. The crowfoot wrench is 38mm (1.5 inch) >>

ThaboTheWuff

Ok, thanks, that makes perfect sense now. Of course all the youtube videos I watched failed to mention anything about 1) turning the wheel full locked to access the 38mm nut 2) securing the rack so as to not damage it.

Oh the Youtubes and of course if I bought a bloody Bentley I'd of known this.

Car keeps on going and just repaired my bigger oil leak with the $10 oil pressure sensor so she's somewhat back in my good books now.

ThaboTheWuff

Ok just got em loose but I only noticed the 22mm flat spot on the left side. Oh well, seemed to come off ok, I had a pretty pitiful wrench attached to the crowfoot but attached the car jack handle to it as a lever, it all flexed quite horribly but came off ok. Made sure the rack was all the way in on the right hand side where I didn't see any 22mm bolt space to hold it.

Interesting how the Bentley is vague on the removal. Perhaps they are in cahoots with Audi in the sale of used steering racks.

pocketchange

It would be good to measure the tie-rod length(s) before they were removed. Count the number of threads if you didn't measure first.

FWIW, my 99' D2 has adjustable toe only.

BTW, Check the end-links too. They live about as long as TRs..