So ive read over the how to's and I have a good understanding of how to do it.

Im currently stuck. I removed the boot but this damn inner lock washer is giving me problems. I cant remove it enough to get my crescent wrench around and remove the inner tie rod. Is there some secret im missing? HELP ASAP PLEASE! Pic a few post down...

 

Try to use a regular pipe wrench on the squared part, they usually have thread locker on the threads making it slightly harder, if both front wheels are off the ground push or pull opposite wheel and you can usually get more room, hope this helped....

 

Wow, well FireFox is acting screwy and I can't upload pics from my phone to this post so pics will have to wait.

No, the tie rod is not giving me problems, its the lock washer that surrounds the outer part of the inner tie rod.

 

Pic of the washer that ive been trying to move over. Been using a screwdriver with a hammer... :/

 

I need help asap, anyone?????????!!!@@@@@

 

TTT

 

Thanks for the bump. For now I just replaced the boot cause it was ripped. Ive left the inner tie rod as is. Im really not sold 100% on the fact that my inner tie rod is done for. Would a ripped boot eventually cause the inner tie rod to go?

I have never seen a definitive answer as to how to tell the INNER tie rod is bad (I know when an outer is). I cant move the inner tie rod back and forth. But I can move it with the outer tie rod still attached. So I dunno...

 

 

Did you see the pic? Im kinda beyond that point now. I cant fit a wrench on the outer part of the inner rod.

 

Can I assume that you tried to chisel the washer to make space for a wrench that was too wide? If so, finding a thinner wrench would have been a better option.

 

rent an inner tie rod tool, install and turn left with a 1/2 long ratchet, your tie rod will come right off. the lock washer will give way with enough stress and an inner tie rod tool is perfect for this.

btw finding out if your inner tie rod is bad is alot harder if the outer is disconnected and the wheel is off. the leverage of the wheel helps tremendously when lightly shaking back and forth with your hands while a buddy checks (or you check and buddy shakes wheel) the inner AND outer tie rod, putting your hand on it can help but usually you'll see where the play is when the wheel is being moved left to right. Thats how we diagnose them at work

 

Wow thanks, now I just need to find an inner tie rod tool to rent.

 

pretty sure Napa, auto zone or advance could get you one. I bought mine from snap-on so I've never tried anywhere else

 

mine was easy as f*ck. I think I used a crescent wrench and it destroyed the old lock washer lol. PB Blaster??

 

Your gonna need alot of muscle if it's never been changed!!!

 

mine came off with a 21mm or 22mm open ended wrench, that washer had two flat sides right? the wrench went on that. The inner tie rod tool i found didnt work for me so good luck with that.

 

then it had the wrong sized adapter to fit on the inner tie rod, if you had the right tool with the right size adp you'd have no problems. it can be tricky to hold it in place until you have tension on it from turning though, maybe that was your issue? With my tool is was beyond easy, just took a little force to break it loose then it came right off.

 

yeah the only ones i could find at the local parts store were wrong. but a stubby 21mm or 22mm worked great for me

 

Here's a DIY with a lot of pics I made when i changed them on my EK:

http://civic-eg.com/viewtopic.php?t=13588

I used 2 big open end wrenches to do the part you are talking about


1.25"


and I forget what size I used here, but it was not very wide so it could slide over the flat spot to grip.

 

Sorry to dredge this up from the past, but I'm also replacing an inner tie rod end to satisfy the blood-sucking bastard mechanic who flunked my car on the safety inspection.

My only question about the procedure, is what SIZE is the removal tool? I see a guy used a 1 1/4" wrench, but these cars are metric. What is the precise size, so that I can rent or buy the proper tool?

Ya know, for a 19 year old car, these things are pretty nice.
(94 Integra)

 

I just did mine yesterday, used an adjustable wrench, worked like a charm for real. The size is too big to slip easily.

 

Same here. Hit the wrench with a hammer and all came out good.

 

And before someone asks again 1.25" = 31.75mm so a 32mm.

 

What do you do if the inner tie rod knuckle is rounded with no grooves for a tool to fit?

 

Pipe wrench....been said a couple times did you not read or comprehend?