Tips on replacing tie rod ends?

[abscate]

WD40 isn't a good penetrating oil, you need one of the products like Kroil, PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or the like

18mm hardware is common on VW and BMW...Lowes Kobalt brand carries 18mm sockets and wrenches

Those tie rod nuts are large enough to use a sharp pipe wrench too. A bit of heat on the nut works wonders too

[oragex]

You can place an adjustable wrench on the nut, and a regular wrench on the tie rod end near the nut, both side by side so they form a 'scissor'. then keep both with one hand and place a pry bar in between the two and force. While loosening or tightening back the nut, I like to have a wrench on the inner tie rod to check for any rotation. When I tighten the nut, I never over force, just press down a bit with the adjustable wrench on the nut so as to be easy to loosen again if needed. I stand corrected because is a safety issue, but I don't think these bolts need tightened with brute force. Otherwise, it's a fun party when it comes to adjust the geometry.

[erikv11]

And use anti-seize compound on these.