Rep Power: 0

just a 2 quick questions, for those of you that have installed your springs yourself. first off I'm about to install my Pro-kit with my friend. i bought a tie-rod seperator for the job, because I've heard its a hard to remove it without one. so my question is, If its so hard to get out, how hard is it to get the tie-rod back in?.. also i want to pick up some tie-rod boots just in case i tear them, can I pick those up at like auto zone, pep boys, etc.. or do I have to go to the dealership to get them?

 
Rep Power: 416

i would think dealership, its only a couple bucks anyways.. i think 3 at honda automotive parts. getting it out with the tie rod seperator is very easy.. it might not look like it fits but it does, just hammer it in and after you think its in far enough, lean on it and it should pop right out... putting it back in is nothing, just put it in and screw the nut. if you do replace the boot, remember to repack it with grease. also you might want to pick up a spring compresser while your there... i have heard of people not using one tho

 
Rep Power: 0

Completely unnecessary tool! Just use a heavy hammer and give the thing a couple of shots on the metal bracket itself (not the tie-rod stud). It will just pop out. Putting it back together might be a little more tricky than it may appear. Yes you just bolt it back up, but sometimes the stud inside the boot spins, so It may be helpful to have access to some air tools.

sicsolx

 
Rep Power: 416

i think they made the tool for a reason.. its better safe then sorry anyways. you might break/bend/misalign the boot which isn't worth saving a trip to autozone where you could rent it for free.

 
Rep Power: 0

I tore both my boots using the pickle fork. I don't see how you can use it and not screw up the boots. Anyhow, I purchased a couple of them from honda for like 3 dollars and change. they had to order them. I couldn't figure out how to get the boot off to replace it. I don't know how they attach them but you may as well forget about getting them off.

I talked to a service writer about replacing them when I was in for an oil change recently. He said that he had never heard of them just replacing the boots and it was always the whole rod. So, I don't know what's up? [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/IMG]

 
Rep Power: 0

Save yourself the trouble of buying another boot by just renting the right equipment for removing the tie rod remover. I rented a tie rod remover from Pep Boys and it looks like "C" with a screw through the middle. It took barely any energy to remove the tie rod. Just make sure you leave the bolt at the bottom on, so the screw can stay on the bottom of the tie rod end.