How to Remove an Inner Tie Rod End
- 1). Jack up the front end of the vehicle with the jack under the vehicle frame, on the side of the tie rod end you wish to remove. Jack up the vehicle until the wheel attached to the tie rod is off the ground.
- 2). Stabilize the jacked vehicle with one or more jack stands. Place them where they will support the vehicle frame and help take the weight load off of the vehicle jack.
- 3). Remove the retaining nut on the inner tie rod end with the 3/8-inch socket set. Some tie rod nuts have a cotter pin installed for safety; if your vehicle has one, remove the pin with the needle-nose pliers before removing the retaining nut.
- 4). Place the tines of your tie rod puller (pickle fork) into the joint between the inner tie rod end and the rest of the steering system. You will be able to identify the proper location by looking for a rubber boot sandwiched between the tie rod end and the steering system. Place the open tines of the tie rod puller there.
- 5). Separate the inner tie rod end from the steering system by hammering on the end of the pickle fork until the tie rod is forced out of its seat. Depending on the age of the vehicle or condition of the steering system, this may require significant hammering force before the tie rod dislodges.
