Inner Tie Rod Replacement, Reuse Outer?

Sladethesleeper · Post by **Sladethesleeper** » 20 Jan 2011, 07:02

So I was planning to replace an inner tie rod this weekend on my 98 V70 GLT. I replaced the outer tie rod end last year on that side only to discover it was the inner tie rod that had excessive wear.

But I was thinking, is it advisable to reuse the outer tie rod end after I pop it out of the spindle? I wasn't sure if they could be reused after the initial install.

Also, do you have to cut the bellows, or is it possible to reuse the original if in good shape? Or is it not worth the hassle to save it?

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 20 Jan 2011, 07:06

While you're in there, just replace it, especially if it is original like the tie rods. I've done the job before, not toooo difficult, but still a PITA. Just replace it and forget it (after you get a new alignment of course)!

Sladethesleeper · Post by **Sladethesleeper** » 20 Jan 2011, 07:14

ecbsykes wrote:While you're in there, just replace it, especially if it is original like the tie rods. I've done the job before, not toooo difficult, but still a PITA. Just replace it and forget it (after you get a new alignment of course)!

Are you refering to the bellow? The outer tie rod is only a year old (and volvo OEM).

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 20 Jan 2011, 08:11

Oh, my bad! Totally misread that one. If your outer rod is that new, I'd keep it. You just have to be careful to not destroy the boot around the ball joint. Might need a ball joint puller and some deep sockets. I don't remember the specifics of this repair off the top of my head.

Sladethesleeper · Post by **Sladethesleeper** » 20 Jan 2011, 08:20

I have a ball joint puller and all the tools I'll ever need.

Just pissed that last year I listened to my state inspector when he said it was the outer tie rod. I replaced it and still had play. The inspector still was trying to tell me it was the outer tie rod until I made him take a flashlight and look at the end play at the knuckle. I've since never gone back with any car to that inspector. But, I need to get the car ready for inspection this month. Got a long weekend ahead of me. Inner tie rod, air pump, check valve, and PNP switch.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 20 Jan 2011, 16:19

As for the bellows; if they're in good shape, you can reuse 'em. Mine was plastic, so I cleaned it up with some Armor All to get all the gunk off of it. No cracks or holes so I just used a few zip strips to reattach it.

Sladethesleeper · Post by **Sladethesleeper** » 23 Jan 2011, 14:59

I was able to get a pair of dyke's in to snip the original ties. Was easy enough to reuse the existing bellow. All in all, the whole thing went much easier than expected and the front end is much tighter. Now just to get it realigned. I wasn't too far off, but since I have a free alignment waiting for me, might as well use it.

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 23 Jan 2011, 16:41

Does anybody have a thread about this job? I have to replace my tie rods and I'm not sure about the inner tie rod end.

I've had my alignment done twice and its goes off within a day or two. It has to be the tie rods on the right side so I figure I should replace both sides.

Sladethesleeper · Post by **Sladethesleeper** » 26 Jan 2011, 08:56

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =9&t=26440 has two links a few responses down.

Only things I varied from these instructions with was the counterhold and cutting the bellows. I was able to cut the strap on the bellows and reused the original. Also, I didn't use a counterhold. Instead, I used vice grips on the inner tie rod outer bearing housing and lightly hit the vice gribs with a mallet. I did not have any movement in the steering rack while doing this. Two nudges and the inner tie rod was loose enough to screw out with the hands.