SW20, Rev 3, Inner & Outer tie rod replacement.

This guide is created by me two help people who want two do this themselves. However a level of proficiency is required with any work on your cars and this is your responsibility not mine. Therefore I disclaim any damage YOU might cause in whatever way that may result in you having any cause of damage two yourself or others.

I have produced this as rough guide; don’t attempt to do work on your car unless you are properly aware of all the risks involved.

Tools Required
Wire Brush
WD 40
Measuring tape
14,17mm socket and ratchet
Pliers
Snips
Stanley Knife
Hammer
Long punch or screwdriver
Shifters
Stilsen

Part no’s (TwosRus)
Outer tie rod ends-ES 3558
Inner tie rod-45503 19145
Steering bellows-103.2207

Instructions:

1.Jack up the car and put on stands.

2.Remove front wheels with a deep 21 socket.

3.Remove front undertrays to gain access to the steering rack.

4.Turn the steering full lock to towards the side you are working on to get maximum access.


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5.Remove the split pin from the castle nut on the end of the steering arm.


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I have found the best way to do this is to flatten the split pin.


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Then push it out until you can get a pliers on the head if the split pin.


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6.Loosen castle nut with a 14mm socket or spanner.


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7.Use a hammer to split the outer tie rod end from the steering arm, however if you are looking to reuse the outer tie rod end a block of wood may be your best friend to do this with to minimise any possible damage. Tip for step 7 (If reusing): screw a nut on the top and hit that (Maybe even use the castellated nut), or use balljoint splitters. Thanks Mark239 KC for you.


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8.From under the car remove the rubber boot. I did this by splitting the cable ties with a Stanley knife. You could have a posh car with shiny metal clips I didn’t!


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9.Now the inner rack is exposed you will see a tabbed washer.


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10.Push back the tabs on both sides with a long punch or screwdriver.


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11.Now loosen the inner tie rod with a shifter or Stilsen, then by hand.


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12.Now it’s time for the new bits, assemble the new parts with the new steering booth.


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Make sure to assemble the new parts as close to the original total length in order to keep the tracking as close to right as possible.


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13.Tighten the locknut against the outer tie rod end.


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14.Now install the new assembly into the inner steering rack. Ensure the tabbed washer has the two small lugs facing the steering rack.


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They need to be mated to the slots on the inner steering rack


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15.You can tighten the joint with a Stilsen, a spanner should be used but I could not find one that was skinny enough to fit.


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16.The tabs now need to be tapped over to act as a lock washer.


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17.Once both tabs are folded over the bellows can be slid into position ensure the narrow side mates to the groove on the inner tie rod.


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18.Now reconnect the outer tie rod to the steering arm on the hub.

Note: When tightening the castle nut only tighten to get the split pin lined up correctly. Never turn the nut back in order to line up the hole and castellation, this is vital.


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19.Install a new split pin which has been provided in the parts.


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20.Now repeat the above on the other side.

21.Once you have finished your work, take a break and then do a full spanner check to ensure you have tightened anything you may have loosened.

22.The final product should look like this.


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23.However this job is not properly complete until full four wheel alignment is done.

Important Note: Four wheel alignment is essential after doing this job to prevent handling, safety and tire wear issues.

If you have anything you would like to add or think should be edited or defined better please pm me and I will hopefully address it. This is the way I approached this work, everybody has a different way so please feel free to comment it will help the end product.

Good pics, good writeup, good job! KC for you

Having a garage makes a huge difference to your year.
You can do your mods over the Winter and enjoy them.your car in the Summer.

For me, I plan to do my mods in Spring/Summer and then its Winter before I can enjoy them !

Is one of the kids earning their pocket money by doing photographer ?

Anyway, I'll stop dreaming about garages and KC4U for great write up

Great write up. great pic's too. wish i had a garage like you . keep them write ups coming have to do some of my own, should have done it when i turned my heads and fogs into HID's but all i need is a camera and a better knowledge of of using a computer ha.

Thanks all.

tip for step 7 (If reusing): screw a nut on the top and hit that (Maybe even use the castellated nut), or use balljoint splitters.

mark239 wrote:
tip for step 7 (If reusing): screw a nut on the top and hit that (Maybe even use the castellated nut), or use balljoint splitters.

Thanks Mark, tip is added and KC for you. I was supprised how easy it droped, I think if I had of shouted at it the joint would have split. Hopefully the bottom ball joints work out as easy, don't think so though.

Just revising this how to again, it's very good Ray - KC!

Quandry I have two outer tie rod ends for sale if you are changing your's.

Cheers for the KC

Thanks Slip, I am doing more suspension work this weekend so will check mine then and see what kind of play is at hand