Inner Tie Rod 91 Camry

[ivegottheblues]

Hi all,

I've been searching the forums looking for a good post on replacing the inner tie rod end. I couldn't find anything concrete.

Does anyone have a good method for doing this?

Anything is appreicated, thanks.

[Grego 92]

I did do this recently but I don't have a write up. Here's a link to some pictures.

Low Rumbling Noise

I followed the manual to remove the outer tie rod (needed one of those tie rod pullers). then removed the boot/bellow, then used a crow bar and hammer to straighten the washers, then used the harbor freight inner tie rod removal tool.

When I put it back together I didn't know how to bend the new washer, so I just used some loc-tite on the threading like I read somewhere previously.

[ivegottheblues]

Thanks. That post helped a lot.

I'll post an update tonight when I finish.

[Sturdavj]

There is no inner tie rod end. There is a tied rod with a ball & socket on the inner end. This is replaced as a unit.

1. Pull back the rubber boot and secure with a tie-wrap
2. Use a long drift punch/screw driver/pry bar and straighten out the “bent lock washer tabs”
3. I then used a 10” & 12” adjustable wrench(s) to remove the tie-rod unit. Place one wrench on the steering actuator and the other on tie-rod nut.
4. Installation process is the reverse of removal.
5. Be sure to bend the locking tabs back, new ones usually come w/tie-rod assembly. This is a steering component and while I am a big proponent of loc-tight, I would not bypass a mechanical lock on steering components

[Grego 92]

Any trick to bending the washer back? From above or bottom any easier?

[Sturdavj]

I accessed mine from the bottom, I used a long (14-16 inch shaft) and a small ball peen hammer. Once it starts to bend, it will go easy.

I don't recall if I had my cross memeber off at the time. I had it on / off a couple of times. I own a number of air tools, so it is/was easy for me to drop the X-member.

I still beleive it's best from below.