F*ckin' tie rod is still winning, but I did get the CA's in and complete (on the driver side, have yet to start on the passenger.

I can get the end to flex almost a half a turn using my foot, but the threaded part itself still won't budge...

 

Okay, I'll tell you what I had to do- I took the whole thing off and worked on it on the bench. The problem is, another brilliant Greman suspension design. That "rod" part of the TRE is embedded into rubber, which makes it a real PITA to break loose.

Otherwise keep soaking it with PB. Good luck.

 

Brad, I had to remove the inner TR with the outer... Screw it read this...
https://www.audiforums.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=147492

 

That's what I'm thinking my next attempt with have to be, remove the whole thing and go to town.

That thread is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Of course, the search engine here deletes every work with 3 or less letters: Tie Rod End... TRE... damn it all!

I'm done for today, it's gotten dark, and my hands, arms, and elbows are sore from trying to apply so much force at several awkward angles. I will be victorious, however, and I will drink a few Corona's once I WIN!

Thanks Don...

Damn, I just realized my garage is not equiped with a work bench, or bench vise. I guess I'll tackle that hurdle once I get there...

 

I just did mine last weekend, It was tuff but not what your going through. I put one wrench on the nut closest to the boot then an adjustable wrench on the actual tie rod and boom it broke free.

 

^^ Trust me, I can only pray the other side is that easy!!!

 

Round three wasn't looking any better. I jumped out early this afternoon with renewed strength and determination, but the little bitch fought hard and caught me with a few blows. Feeling punch drunk and slightly delerious, I went for broke, got in a nasty arm bar, and she finally tapped out! I WIN...

Anyway, I resorted to pulling the entire tie rod out (simple, pull the clamps off the boot, slide the boot back as far as possible, and use a giant adjustable wrench on the huge nut hidden in the boot) then I used vise grips and an 18mm wrench. I had to stand on the vise grips to apply enough clamping strength to not let the threads slip, then bracing the vice grips on the floor, I stood on the 18mm wrench and tightened the bitch a little and it finally broke free. After that, it screwed right off like I assume it should have in the first place.

Three days, and the left side is done! Barring any more issues like this, I think I can get the right side done in under 3 hours...

Thanks for the help, as always. I don't think I would have figured this one out on my own...

 

Good work!