Tie Rod Ends - C2

[Mark P.]

I am restoring the chassis on my 1965 and am now getting to work on the steering components.

1. Does anyone have any tips to restore them ? I would like to get the old grease out, inspect them then clean them up. Can they be disassembled ?
2. When you inspect them if they aren't loose and move around smoothly then are they OK to reuse ?
3. Who sells reproductions that work well functionally and pass judging ?
4. Does a pickle fork work better than a ball joint separator (see photo) work better ? Is 3/4" the right size ?

Thanks,

Mark

[Edward J.]

Re: Tie Rod Ends - C2

Mark, I have always used a dead blow hammer and a few wacks generally knocks them loose. and if you have a parts washer just remove the boots and wash up and wipe with a clean cloth afterwards then just re-grease them. They should have some friction when moving the stud it should not flop around.

[Mark P.]

Re: Tie Rod Ends - C2

Edward - do you hit the nut on the stud or on the side ? I have sometimes pulled up on the tie rod and hit the side of the steering knuckle to get them to release. If the stud feels kind of notchy then does that mean they are worn out ?

[Edward J.]

Re: Tie Rod Ends - C2

Mark you wack it on the side of the steering arm.this will shock the tie rod shaft.

[Mark P.]

Re: Tie Rod Ends - C2

If mine are bad I am probably going to by the MOOG ES323R and L. They won't judge well but I will feel better about them being installed than reproductions. Anyone know how the MOOG parts compare in quality to the OEM parts ?

[Joe L.]

Re: Tie Rod Ends - C2

If mine are bad I am probably going to by the MOOG ES323R and L. They won't judge well but I will feel better about them being installed than reproductions. Anyone know how the MOOG parts compare in quality to the OEM parts ?

Mark------


They are very good quality. The ones I've used were made in Canada or the US. They are configured somewhat different than the originals but it's not a major difference.

[Mark P.]

Re: Tie Rod Ends - C2

Thanks Joe - I will go with MOOG US or Canada stuff. Not enough points to worry about trying to use my 60 year old tie rod ends. 6 originality and 6 condition for the entire steering linkage, idler and stabilizer.

[Duke W.]

Re: Tie Rod Ends - C2

One way to evaluate tie rods is to squeeze them along the axis with a large pair of channel lock pliers. Remove the zerk fitting to do this. A good one should have no movement. If movement is noticeable it should be replaced.

Use a tie rod puller to remove them. A pickle fork is likely to damage the boot. If they resist poping out, apply a good load with the puller then wack the side of the joint with a hammer, and the shock should cause them to pop out.

A couple of years ago I had to replace the center link and tie rods on my '88 Mercedes. I got a free loaner tool from Pep Boys to do the job.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: Tie Rod Ends - C2

Thanks Joe - I will go with MOOG US or Canada stuff. Not enough points to worry about trying to use my 60 year old tie rod ends. 6 originality and 6 condition for the entire steering linkage, idler and stabilizer.

Mark-----

I think the Moog tie rod ends may actually be a bit heavier duty than the GM pieces. Normally, I'm not too comfortable with aftermarket anything but these are an exception.