2001 Civic Tie-Rod End Problem

The outside right tie-rod end on my 2001 Civic is 'non-adjustable' according
to my local tire center, because the jam-nut is 'frozen' and can't be
loosened. It was suggested that I go to Honda dealer and have it replaced
and then tires aligned (toe-in/out is off) .

Question:

If I free the tie-rod end at the strut tower, shouldn't I then be able to
remove the tie rod end with the jam-nut attached. That is, the tie rod end
and jam-nut would seem to rotate the same way to be removed from the
threaded end of the inner tie rod.

 

I don't think they tried very hard. There are such things as ViceGrips and
oxy torches that will almost always loosen rusted nuts. In any case, the
rod-end will have to be replaced once the old one is removed so the rod
threads can be cleaned if possible. If its that rusted, it may need to be
replaced.

The complete tie rod may have to be removed to do this. The inner is a
usually a ball joint that's screwed into the end of the rack, and secured
with a lock tab and/or split pin.

You could have the dealer do it, but you'll generally pay more for the
labour. Find a local shop that specializes in Hondas, and tell them to
replace the rod end.


SD

 

The reason why your tire shop told you this is because they don't have
the proper tools to remove it. Almost every time you need to have a
acetylene torch to get these loose. I had to do this on my Integra and
they had to get heated up to the point that they were glowing red.

Finally after heating and cooling it three times it came loose. These
things are a PITA to work on.

I'm not sure if Home Depot sells anything close to the heat you need
but you can ask. Sorry I can't help tell you how much a dealer will
charge.

Whatever you do make sure to use some anti-seize so you don't have to
ever go through this again. I only wish Honda and other car
manufactures would use it on this and the axle nuts as we are keeping
out cars for over 10 years nowadays.

Good Luck
Nick

 

Try using a flare nut wrench instead of an open end wrench
http://tinyurl.com/2hoev2. You could also try a flare nut crowfoot socket
http://tinyurl.com/2g2oht if you wanted the added leverage of using a
breaker bar. As others have suggested, heat may be required in order to
loosen the nut. You can try using a MAPP gas torch, note though that a
propane torch won't get nearly hot enough.

Eric

 

MAPP usually won't do it, the flame needs to be hot enough to turn the
metal red. Perhaps the MAPP/O2 combination may work.

Nick

 

Thanks to all for the info.

Another question: Do the jam-nut and tie rod end thread ON to the inner tie
rod threaded end using clockwise rotation ?