How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
could hear the grinding.

After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.

Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.

Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.

Eric
99 TJ SE

Re: How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

Soak the threaded tie-rod end with a penetrant like PB-Blaster,
Break-Free, or Liquid Wrench. Spray it a few times and let it soak in
overnight, then see if you can't unscrew it. A pipe wrench is ideal but
just a big set of waterpump (big) pliers will do it too. These kinds of
parts are often stuck together so if you get it apart, be sure to apply
a dab of antiseize compound on the tie rod threads before reassembly it.
Are you sure the grinding isn't a bad u-joint or perhaps a bad hub?

Jerry

Eric wrote:
> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
> could hear the grinding.
>
> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>
> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>
> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

--
Jerry Bransford
PP-ASEL N6TAY
See the Geezer Jeep at
http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

Re: How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

Soak the threaded tie-rod end with a penetrant like PB-Blaster,
Break-Free, or Liquid Wrench. Spray it a few times and let it soak in
overnight, then see if you can't unscrew it. A pipe wrench is ideal but
just a big set of waterpump (big) pliers will do it too. These kinds of
parts are often stuck together so if you get it apart, be sure to apply
a dab of antiseize compound on the tie rod threads before reassembly it.
Are you sure the grinding isn't a bad u-joint or perhaps a bad hub?

Jerry

Eric wrote:
> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
> could hear the grinding.
>
> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>
> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>
> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

--
Jerry Bransford
PP-ASEL N6TAY
See the Geezer Jeep at
http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

Re: How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

Soak the threaded tie-rod end with a penetrant like PB-Blaster,
Break-Free, or Liquid Wrench. Spray it a few times and let it soak in
overnight, then see if you can't unscrew it. A pipe wrench is ideal but
just a big set of waterpump (big) pliers will do it too. These kinds of
parts are often stuck together so if you get it apart, be sure to apply
a dab of antiseize compound on the tie rod threads before reassembly it.
Are you sure the grinding isn't a bad u-joint or perhaps a bad hub?

Jerry

Eric wrote:
> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
> could hear the grinding.
>
> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>
> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>
> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

--
Jerry Bransford
PP-ASEL N6TAY
See the Geezer Jeep at
http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

Re: How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

No, I'm not sure. That's just it. I don't see how a Ujoint would be
grinding when sitting still and turning the wheel, though. As a matter of
fact, you can make it grind just a bit by trying to turn the wheel with the
engine off (obviously it only twists more than turns without the power
on...). It'll grind just a bit then, too.

And as for hub... I'm not sure what you're talking about. When I hear hub,
I think of the old locking hubs. I know TJs don't have those. Again, what
would that have to do with turning the tires while sitting still?

Eric
"Jerry Bransford" <jerrypb@cox.net> wrote in message
news:ZzL3e.2931$ZV5.981@fed1read05...
> Soak the threaded tie-rod end with a penetrant like PB-Blaster,
> Break-Free, or Liquid Wrench. Spray it a few times and let it soak in
> overnight, then see if you can't unscrew it. A pipe wrench is ideal but
> just a big set of waterpump (big) pliers will do it too. These kinds of
> parts are often stuck together so if you get it apart, be sure to apply a
> dab of antiseize compound on the tie rod threads before reassembly it. Are
> you sure the grinding isn't a bad u-joint or perhaps a bad hub?
>
> Jerry
>
> Eric wrote:
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> mine crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> me, I'd probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake. Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> it out of the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>> end and can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>> tie rod. After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> that's making the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it
>> out!) and wonder if the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could
>> be the joint at the top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches
>> to). I know if you shoot grease into that zerk it comes right out of the
>> dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that? Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE
>
> --
> Jerry Bransford
> PP-ASEL N6TAY
> See the Geezer Jeep at
> http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

Re: How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

No, I'm not sure. That's just it. I don't see how a Ujoint would be
grinding when sitting still and turning the wheel, though. As a matter of
fact, you can make it grind just a bit by trying to turn the wheel with the
engine off (obviously it only twists more than turns without the power
on...). It'll grind just a bit then, too.

And as for hub... I'm not sure what you're talking about. When I hear hub,
I think of the old locking hubs. I know TJs don't have those. Again, what
would that have to do with turning the tires while sitting still?

Eric
"Jerry Bransford" <jerrypb@cox.net> wrote in message
news:ZzL3e.2931$ZV5.981@fed1read05...
> Soak the threaded tie-rod end with a penetrant like PB-Blaster,
> Break-Free, or Liquid Wrench. Spray it a few times and let it soak in
> overnight, then see if you can't unscrew it. A pipe wrench is ideal but
> just a big set of waterpump (big) pliers will do it too. These kinds of
> parts are often stuck together so if you get it apart, be sure to apply a
> dab of antiseize compound on the tie rod threads before reassembly it. Are
> you sure the grinding isn't a bad u-joint or perhaps a bad hub?
>
> Jerry
>
> Eric wrote:
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> mine crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> me, I'd probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake. Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> it out of the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>> end and can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>> tie rod. After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> that's making the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it
>> out!) and wonder if the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could
>> be the joint at the top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches
>> to). I know if you shoot grease into that zerk it comes right out of the
>> dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that? Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE
>
> --
> Jerry Bransford
> PP-ASEL N6TAY
> See the Geezer Jeep at
> http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

Re: How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

No, I'm not sure. That's just it. I don't see how a Ujoint would be
grinding when sitting still and turning the wheel, though. As a matter of
fact, you can make it grind just a bit by trying to turn the wheel with the
engine off (obviously it only twists more than turns without the power
on...). It'll grind just a bit then, too.

And as for hub... I'm not sure what you're talking about. When I hear hub,
I think of the old locking hubs. I know TJs don't have those. Again, what
would that have to do with turning the tires while sitting still?

Eric
"Jerry Bransford" <jerrypb@cox.net> wrote in message
news:ZzL3e.2931$ZV5.981@fed1read05...
> Soak the threaded tie-rod end with a penetrant like PB-Blaster,
> Break-Free, or Liquid Wrench. Spray it a few times and let it soak in
> overnight, then see if you can't unscrew it. A pipe wrench is ideal but
> just a big set of waterpump (big) pliers will do it too. These kinds of
> parts are often stuck together so if you get it apart, be sure to apply a
> dab of antiseize compound on the tie rod threads before reassembly it. Are
> you sure the grinding isn't a bad u-joint or perhaps a bad hub?
>
> Jerry
>
> Eric wrote:
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> mine crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> me, I'd probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake. Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> it out of the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>> end and can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>> tie rod. After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> that's making the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it
>> out!) and wonder if the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could
>> be the joint at the top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches
>> to). I know if you shoot grease into that zerk it comes right out of the
>> dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that? Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE
>
> --
> Jerry Bransford
> PP-ASEL N6TAY
> See the Geezer Jeep at
> http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

Re: How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

By the way, I don't see my original post... don't know how you can!

Eric
"Jerry Bransford" <jerrypb@cox.net> wrote in message
news:ZzL3e.2931$ZV5.981@fed1read05...
> Soak the threaded tie-rod end with a penetrant like PB-Blaster,
> Break-Free, or Liquid Wrench. Spray it a few times and let it soak in
> overnight, then see if you can't unscrew it. A pipe wrench is ideal but
> just a big set of waterpump (big) pliers will do it too. These kinds of
> parts are often stuck together so if you get it apart, be sure to apply a
> dab of antiseize compound on the tie rod threads before reassembly it. Are
> you sure the grinding isn't a bad u-joint or perhaps a bad hub?
>
> Jerry
>
> Eric wrote:
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> mine crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> me, I'd probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake. Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> it out of the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>> end and can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>> tie rod. After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> that's making the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it
>> out!) and wonder if the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could
>> be the joint at the top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches
>> to). I know if you shoot grease into that zerk it comes right out of the
>> dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that? Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE
>
> --
> Jerry Bransford
> PP-ASEL N6TAY
> See the Geezer Jeep at
> http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

Re: How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

By the way, I don't see my original post... don't know how you can!

Eric
"Jerry Bransford" <jerrypb@cox.net> wrote in message
news:ZzL3e.2931$ZV5.981@fed1read05...
> Soak the threaded tie-rod end with a penetrant like PB-Blaster,
> Break-Free, or Liquid Wrench. Spray it a few times and let it soak in
> overnight, then see if you can't unscrew it. A pipe wrench is ideal but
> just a big set of waterpump (big) pliers will do it too. These kinds of
> parts are often stuck together so if you get it apart, be sure to apply a
> dab of antiseize compound on the tie rod threads before reassembly it. Are
> you sure the grinding isn't a bad u-joint or perhaps a bad hub?
>
> Jerry
>
> Eric wrote:
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> mine crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> me, I'd probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake. Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> it out of the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>> end and can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>> tie rod. After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> that's making the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it
>> out!) and wonder if the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could
>> be the joint at the top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches
>> to). I know if you shoot grease into that zerk it comes right out of the
>> dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that? Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE
>
> --
> Jerry Bransford
> PP-ASEL N6TAY
> See the Geezer Jeep at
> http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

Re: How do I get this tie rod end off?
 

By the way, I don't see my original post... don't know how you can!

Eric
"Jerry Bransford" <jerrypb@cox.net> wrote in message
news:ZzL3e.2931$ZV5.981@fed1read05...
> Soak the threaded tie-rod end with a penetrant like PB-Blaster,
> Break-Free, or Liquid Wrench. Spray it a few times and let it soak in
> overnight, then see if you can't unscrew it. A pipe wrench is ideal but
> just a big set of waterpump (big) pliers will do it too. These kinds of
> parts are often stuck together so if you get it apart, be sure to apply a
> dab of antiseize compound on the tie rod threads before reassembly it. Are
> you sure the grinding isn't a bad u-joint or perhaps a bad hub?
>
> Jerry
>
> Eric wrote:
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> mine crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> me, I'd probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake. Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> it out of the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>> end and can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>> tie rod. After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> that's making the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it
>> out!) and wonder if the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could
>> be the joint at the top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches
>> to). I know if you shoot grease into that zerk it comes right out of the
>> dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that? Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE
>
> --
> Jerry Bransford
> PP-ASEL N6TAY
> See the Geezer Jeep at
> http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/