[i505]

I have been all over the web looking for info on replacing the inner tie rod ends on my 03 corolla without dropping the subframe. Is it possible to do? Are there any tricks? Is there room to clamp the OEM boot clamp or do I have to use something else?
Anything you can tell me is greatly appreciated. The dealer wants $1600 to do this and with 370,000 km on the car it isn't worth that but if I can do it myself then it is worth it.

 

[i505]

Just to add to this, I will also be replacing the strut and lower control arm. Should I take it all apart to make access to the inner tie rod easier, or should I replace one at a time?

 

[CorollaCharlie]

Why are you replacing it? I replaced the boot while it was in the car but not the tie rod itself. I think there's enough room to use the tool. I'm not really sure. It would be easier with that taken apart but if I seem to recall on the passenger side the power steering lines were a true tight fit.

 

[i505]

When I had it in for the routine maintenance they said the right inner (I think) was worn. When I try to wiggle the tire when jacked up there is some play, hard to tell by sound when the control arm bushings are worn. I would just rather do it all at once then have to go back and then need another alignment.

 

[invader]

I replaced both inner tie-rod ends without removing anything else. I also managed to reuse the original boot clamps... I just used a 1-1/8" wrench to loosen the original ones from rack & pinion, then used a 1-1/4' wrench to tighten the aftermarket ones back on. Driver's side inner tie-rod end tends to wear out faster.

 

[i505]

How the heck did you get at it? I crawled under the car just to have a look and couldn't get near the boot end, is there just access from the side when everything is apart?
Thank you, you have given me hope:smile:

 

[invader]

Pretty much from the side, yeah... It wasn't too hard for me.

 

[i505]

Can you explain why you don't think I can do it? I don't want to get into this and then find I am stuck but at the same time I don't want to pay someone to do it for me. Do you think it can be done with an inner tie rod tool, one of the ones that put a fitting on the end and then you slip another part over the tie rod to allow you to turn it?

 

[CorollaCharlie]

It's a tight fit and limited wrench movement is allowed. That's why removal of the subframe is recommended. I'm not sure you'll have enough room for the tool.

 

[invader]

Can you explain why you don't think I can do it? I don't want to get into this and then find I am stuck but at the same time I don't want to pay someone to do it for me. Do you think it can be done with an inner tie rod tool, one of the ones that put a fitting on the end and then you slip another part over the tie rod to allow you to turn it?

There wasn't much room to play with. I think I had the large wrench (1-1/8" to remove oem, and 1-1/4" to install aftermarket inner t.r.e.) from underneath, and there was just enough space to use it. That's with the steering turned almost all the way to the right to do the drivers's side, and vice versa for passenger side. The clamp is easy enough to separate with flat screwdriver. I used clamp pliers to start tightening it back on, and lightly tapped it back down and flush... I never checked the procedure first, and was unaware of instructions to drop the subframe. :surprise: I just dove in there.

I suppose a specific inner tie rod tool would make it easier, if there's space to use it.

 

[invader]

I remember now I had to have steering turned back a bit from maximum lock to have it just in the right spot to loosen inner tie-rod end from steering rack... $1600 sure seems outrageous, even with included toe alignment. There must be an independent service center which would know they can do it without dropping crossmember in about a hour's labor, if you don't have all the tools and heated garage to do it in. I just meant to address your concerns about whether it would be worth tackling at all or if it's easy enough to attempt, in case there was any misunderstanding.

 

[i505]

For anyone wondering it is possible and not that hard to replace the inner tie rod ends. I did it on the weekend and it did not take that long. The main problem is the tool I got on loan from Canadian Tire does not fit, the tie rod shaft is about a half mm wider than the tool fitting slot. To get the old one off I filed the tie rod so it would fit into the fitting, to put the new one on I used the clamp tool I got at Princess Auto as I did not have a big enough wrench and don't know if I could have fit one in - didn't try. My only concern is you do not know the torque when using the clamp fitting. I was also able to crimp the clamps I got from Toyota - it wasn't fun getting to tool in on the left side but I did manage.


thanks to all those who gave advise and information.

 

[eeebee67]

what are the torques for the inner and outer tie rods? TIA