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I have a 2001 sedan and I am in the process of taking the front struts off and I am having a problem. I cannot get them off the tie rods. The tie rods are long rods that go from the strut to he center of the car. There are 2 of them, 1 on each side. I have taken the nut off, but I am not able to get them off the tie rod. I have wiggled it around, but no go. I was wondering if you guys ran into this problem and how you got them off.

Thanks.


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The picture you posted is of the steering tie rod. To get it loose, borrow a tie rod seperator tool from the parts store. They usually give you your money or deposit back after you are through using it. The tool will clamp on to the steering arm of the strut and screws against the bolt to pop it loose. Leave the nut partially threaded on so it doesn't hit you when it comes loose. Also make sure you use this tool and not a pickle fork because a pickle fork will damage your grease boot. Hope this helps!!!

 
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loosen the nut and leave it sitting aligned with bottom of the screw giving yourself more room to pound on. with a hammer, start hitting it upwards. use alot of muscle. it was a biatch to get that off. but be careful to not mess up the rivets of the screw or you would have to rethread that thing. you might want to try holdin the strut in a position where the arm can come off in a more straight angle. definitly have another person there to help you. hope this helps.

 
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Geez....that's what has me scared about buying the Koni's. There is no shop in this area that could do the install. I'm going to have to drive somewhere to a shop that I know for a fact has the skills to do the Koni install correctly along with camber kits and springs.

I am amazed at you guys that can do this stuff yourself.

 
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Hey numbaonestunna, not trying to dis you or nuthin, but you're lucky that worked! If it's stubborn and you hit it slightly crooked, you'll damage the tie rod with a hammar. There's a proper tool for every job and the thought of beating the sh*t out of my 2K1 Civic with a hammar makes me cringe! Just don't want to see someone go through the hassle of replacing that tie rod when a local parts store would lend the tool for free![IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

 
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Almost forgot, while you're at the parts store, don't forget to borrow a spring compressor!

 
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Okay, I got it off and got everything back on. But, how do I get the tie rod back on. I have it on there and try to screw it back on, but the screw keeps turing. How do I get the bolt tight on there so I can screw on the nut?

Or is there a special tool that does that too?

Thanks.

 
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okay, i got everything back on. i found somewhere that is going to install my struts, springs, and camber kits for $90. i rather have them do it and do it right. plus it would be more if i had to purchase all the tools to do it myself.

thanks for all your help guys.

 
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<< Geez....that's what has me scared about buying the Koni's. There is no shop in this area that could do the install. I'm going to have to drive somewhere to a shop that I know for a fact has the skills to do the Koni install correctly along with camber kits and springs.

I am amazed at you guys that can do this stuff yourself. >>


Ya... I'm pretty amazed too. These Koni's are probably the toughest DIY for our cars... so easy to screw everything up. And considering how expensive the Konis are, it's even more nerve-wracking to do yourself.

This is one mod that I would not mind paying a pro shop to do for me.

 
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I did mine and 3 others so far. not hard at all.