Hey guys,
I am finishing the passenger side of my truck- ball joints, hub, rotor, pads and i am trying to tighten the tie rod back to the nuckle- i had to remove the nuckle to get the ball joints out and in- now the tie rod stud seems to be spinning as i try to tighten it- will it stop if i put the truck down and get some weight on the suspension?
I am an electrician and i really have no business touchibng these things- but i tried and was doing well until this snag- i wont mention that i punched myself in the face loosening a bolt- guess i deserve it if i am going to fiddle!!
anyways need to get truck back up for tomorow- so any information will be greatly appreciated

thanks for everything!!,

Patrick

 

Are you using a socket to try to tighten it? Some tie rod ends require two wrenches to tighten. Check it the male part of the tie rod has a small hex on it. If it does, then use two wrenches (but not a socket) and that should solve your problem.
Another way is to clamp the tie rod to the knuckle using a large C-clamp. That way you can generate enough friction to stop the spinning and get that pesky nut tightened.

 

thanks mex- i went and got a new tie rod- now trying to get old one out-any tips?
do they have a left hand thread?

 

I put the jack under mine, and lifted some, putting enough pressure on the shaft to keep it from spinning until it would tighten.

 

The nut holding the tie rod in is a normal RH thread for both sides but one tie rod had a LH thread where it screws into the tie rod. Forget which one is which, but seem to remember that the RH side has a LH thread while LH side has a RH thread.

I am confused as I thought that you already had the tie rod out - or are you now trying to do the opposite side?

Don't forget to get a steering alignment done as soon as you have the new tie rod ends installed.

Let us know the results of your struggles.