On a 2000 A-6 2.7 T, is removing and replacing the tie rod end something that a do-it-yourselfer can do?
Are special tools required?
Any suggestions or input appreciated
Thank you in advance
Kurt

 

Super easy.

I'm sure there is a special tool but I just used a wrench that kind of fit on the flat part and unscrewed it.

Make sure you count the exposed threads and put the new tie rod on about the same spot.

Then take it for an alignment, immediatly.

The easy:


Take off the wheel
Undo the 12mm bolt on top of the tie rod
Undo the pinch bolt...think its a 16?
Pound the pinch bolt out. I use a 1/4 inch socket extension and a rubber mallet
You can use the same extension to put in the top where the ball joint shaft goes into the knuckle and pound it downwards till its free.
Loosen the tie rod end, vice grips and some large wrench that fits around the flat will do.

Make sure you count the threads and put back the new one in roughly the same place. There is a nut there that locks it down, make sure thats tight against.

Put the tie rod back into knuckle, I tap it back in place. You can use a hex to rotate it around until the pinch bolt fits back in.

Tighten the pinch bolt, then put in the 12mm bolt on top.

I think the pinch bolt is 65ft lbs, 12 mm to tight.

Take it to get it aligned, you'll be close with the thread counting but better to double check before your front tires are junk in 1K miles.

Very simple, 25 minute job for a newbie assuming the pinch bolt comes right out.

 

Eric,
Thank you for th excellent instructions
Kurt