tips on inner tie rod replacment

[musiclover2000]

I’m working on a 2008 KIA spectra alittle over 100,000 miles. I’m going to be replacing the worn out tie rods along with the ends and the dust boots since there torn.

Is there anything special i should be aware of before i start? I’ve done outer rods before never done inners. I know I need to rent a special tool for the job and there’s some sort of lock washer bent over it.

Thanks for your help

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

It appears to have some type of retaining washer.

Attachments:

• 50bf958c6eed793eaf389319f1c93a9f

[musiclover2000]

Thanks for the pic pictures always helpful. Do you happen to know if the nut on the inner rod is a common size on kia’s? Hoping its not some odd ball size and hard to find a place for tool rental. Just trying to be organized.

Thank you

[Richard Kirshy]

Specifically, sorry I do not know off the top of my head.
But I would venture a guess and think it would be standard metric size.

[musiclover2000]

My parts arrived yesterday probably going for next weekend for the fix. I’ve heard people say to apply grease to the rack while everything’s off. There’s something on there now but not sure if its grease from the inner tie rod or not. Both boots are torn so not sure if there’s any grit in the grease. Maybe I should use some brake clean and clean everything and apply grease if you recommend it?

Thanks so much

[Richard Kirshy]

I would think that the replacement inner tie rod joint would be greased from the factory.
If not it would be smart to do so.
If the boots are torn open, most likely you got road grime.
Might try removing the torn boots, wipe off as much gunk as you can, then after you remove the tie rod end.
Clean up the area as best you can.

[musiclover2000]

Figured I’d let everyone know my project went quite well everything’s installed just need an alignment. The hardest part for me was removing the old bellows boots. I went with a hose clamp for installation of new boots the supplied zip tie just wasn’t working. I didn’t trust the supplied nylon lock nut applied blue thread locker.

[Author]

Replies