I bought some outer tie rods to install when i swapped out my springs the other day and for the life of me I couldnt get the "locknut"? off...is this common? they arent reverse threads are they?

Anyone have any tips for getting that locknut loose? its very clean..just seems super tight...once the wrench slipped, i thought it was time to ask

around.

Thanks,

JacK

pic...

One side is reverse threads. I believe it's the side you have the picture of. Just look at the threads real close and you should be able to see which is which.

They can sezie though, I struggled with mine for an hour with a propane torch.

Had to go to a tyre shop in the end who still struggled for 30minutes with an oxy torch and a huge wrench, they were really glowing by the time they let go.

Yea, these can be a bugger!

I took mine to a local alignment/brake shop. Was worth the $$. I also couldn't remove a strut cartridge from one of my fronts. Same guy did it free. I was happy to return for the alignment and the tie rods.

Best of luck.

Driver's side is reversed - the tie rod end rotates counter clockwise to go on steering rack arm, clockwise to remove. Mine are both currently totally stuck - I am going to a machine shop this week. Can the people that removed stuck tie rods, post what tools worked and what tools didn't ?

I used a big cresent wrench with a 3 ft pipe. I was able to bust them loose that way. It was a PITA though. Be careful with using heat, you get it too hot down there you could melt your steering boot. Then you have something else that needs fixed.

use a propane torch, heat it for around 5 mins.. then use a a big wrench and a 17mm or w/e size it is. Hold on and turn the other, make sure your unscrewing though.

I soaked mine for 3-4 days with PB blaster, used a good-size set of vise grips on both the nut and the old tie rod end. Add some sweat, some swearing and bammo! all done.

One small tip: try to loosen the tie rod end, or at least keep track of exactly where the lock nut is on the thread. You want to return the nut to that position for reasonably close alignment until you get it to a shop...

Steve

The best way is to let them soak overnight with pb blaster, then get yourself a propane torch, and heat it up nicely and then turn it off.