Replacing Tie Rod Ends?

[Archangel1183]

I installed lowering spindles today but the tie rod ends were impossible to remove from the stock spindle without damaging them. We had to remove them from the inner part. I bought some Duralast tie rod ends from Autozone but they were thicker than the stock ones. The threads were the same but were really hard to get in. Even with the nut on the clamps off. Should I have purchased bigger tie rod clamps? Has anyone had this problem?

We finished the job but the tie rod adjustment was off, even though we counted turns. Both wheels are sticking out a bit. I'm hoping to find an alignment shop that opens tomorrow.

[JOHN92]

Did you trim them down any? Even right in the instructions it should have mentioned that you have to cut a little off to get enough adjustment to pull the wheels in straight.

[Archangel1183]

No I didn't. I googled the part number and it turns out that they are made by Moog and the part number is for 98-2000 Frontiers, but Autozone has it for my 2002. I searched for 2004 Tie rod ends and it has a different part number. I guess that answers why my question on why they were so hard to install.

I had to use a pipe wrench to turn them in and scratched the metal. I wonder if they'll exchange them like that.

[1lownismo]

I know I ordered mine from rock auto.com they were diffrent they sent me new ones without returning the used and was still wrong then went to pepboys and had similar issue I think after all the issues pepboys located the right one and I havent had any problems yet.

[Archangel1183]

Wish you had the part number. I'm having a lot of trouble finding the right ones. I've gone to autozone about 6 times and tried about 4 different part numbers but they just don't fit. I kind of messed up the treads on the tie rod sleeve.

Pepboys doesn't carry them for a 2002, and Kragen has the same part number as Autozone. I tried Napa auto parts but had to order them. They should be there tomorrow afternoon. I'm crossing my fingers hoping that they're the right ones. If not, I'm gonna have to drive about 45 mins to a junk yard. Their ad on Craigslist says they're parting out a 2001 Frontier 2wd.

[Archangel1183]

I just found this thread. I'm gonna try this part number.
http://www.infamousnissan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11079&highlight=Tie+Rods

[Archangel1183]

I ended up buying adjusting sleeves and outer tie rod ends from a 97 Hard Body. The sleeves were a really tight fit, but the thread was the same. The tie rod ends were a little small at the ends where they enter the spindle. Also, I wasn't able to tighten the castle nut. I was able to tighten it by hand until I got to the hole for the cotter pin and just installed it and left it like that. Is that normal?

[ScottXGTR]

a lot of trouble with the tie rods hunh? i remember hearing something about a service bulletin on the steering linkage in general. you might be trying to fit new, updated parts onto an older linkage that shouldve been replaced.

it just seems odd you cant find the parts meant to go on the truck.

[Archangel1183]

Yep, that's exactly what I think. The parts that they have at the stores are meant for the new steering linkage. I remember reading that Nissan switched parts manufacturer and discontinued the tie rod ends.

[Archangel1183]

I had the truck aligned a couple days ago but the steering wheel felt too loose. I took it back yesterday morning and he fixed the loose steering, but it still doesn't feel right. It feels as if the tires and pointing in different locations and want to go their own way. The guy at the shop gave me the paper and it shows everything, Toe, Caster, Etc., in green. I think it might have to do with the adjusting sleeves being too tight on the inner tie rod ends.

I'm gonna purchase the complete kit of Inner and Outer tie rods with sleeves, to see if it fixes my problem.

[02GreenFronty]

I needed to replace my centerlink 2 years ago, and i had to buy an assembly which included the centerlink, idler arm, pitman arm and both inner and outer tie rods with ends. it was all pre-assembled.

[Archangel1183]

I needed to replace my centerlink 2 years ago, and i had to buy an assembly which included the centerlink, idler arm, pitman arm and both inner and outer tie rods with ends. it was all pre-assembled.

Yep. I'm hoping that the set of outer tie rods, sleeves, and inner tie rods that I ordered will fit on the old centerlink.

I checked for any play on the steering components while my gf moved the steering wheel slightly back and forth. I didn't see any movement until I told her to put a little more pressure, so I assumed the steering rack needed adjusting. While loosening the lock nut for the adjusting screw, I heard a snap and realized I stripped the threads. :mad:

Now I'm looking for a used steering box. I tried all day today, on and off, to remove the old one but it's a real pain in the arse. I need some better flare wrenches to remove the hoses from the box. The ones I have started rounding off the nuts.

[lil_redd_again]

Sorry for a bit of hijacking but uh, do we think that the service advisory applies to the 2001 model year? I recently tried to take my 01 Frontier in for an alignment and they said they couldnt do it because there "werent enough threads on the tie rods." Now Im no mechanic but when I got up under there and looked at everything, I saw lots of threads. However, the sleeves looked a little wonky and the whole tie rod assemblies could twist on the joints about what, 30 degrees each way?

What Im getting at is that this thing is bad, its eating front tires, has adopted a mean front shake at speed, and desperately needs an alignment, what do you guys think?

I got in there and noticed the bushings for the sway bar links were actually gone on one side so I went in there and replaced the bushings but uh, it still needs work...

[$krap_IN_flesh]

the twist in normal. the shaking at speed is tire balance. and it sounds like the shop just didn't feel like doing your alignment.