Rebuilt the front suspension, however, I couldn't get the left outer tie rod end to release, even with a couple of 18" pipe wrenches. The part is in reasonable condition, so I left it there, for now. So, I will need to replace the inner tie rod to fix this problem. I can't find any information on replacing the inner tie rod, but, the part is available. Of course, the Jag dealer here wants to replace the whole rack, so any information on the procedure would be appreciated.

 

Bet you it's the dreaded loctite. Have you tried heat on the area?

 

Heat and an impact gun will do the trick.

This tool is awesome for inner tie rods:

http://www.harborfreight.com/inner-t...set-96558.html

This is my favorite for outers and ball joints:

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...tor-99849.html

 

Hi
Here is an extract on the steering gear removal & install per JTIS shop repair manual (also covers inner tie rod):

2002 XJ Steering Gear R&I.pdf

Jim Lombardi

 

Thanks for the links, Adam; that inner tie rod tool looks interesting.

Sean - no, haven't done the heat, yet. I was pressed for time when I was putting the suspension together and decided to wait for another weekend. Now I'm thinking of just taking the car down to the dealer and have them replace the inner tie rod and do the alignment, If they'll do the job without wanting to replace the whole rack.

Jim - I didn't see anything in the link that addressed the inner tie rods. After looking at the tool in the link that Adam sent, it doesn't appear to be too hard of a job (?)

Mark

 

Hi

See page 2, Step 4 shows image of tie rod, under step 5 - shows Tie-Rod tool, and step 6 says -
6.
Detach both of the tie rod ends.
1. Fit the special tool to tie rod end.
2. Tighten the tool bolt to release the taper.
• Remove the tool.

11. NOTE:
Attach the tie rod end.
Locate the tie rod end into the steering arm.• Install a new nut.• Tighten the nut to 22-28 Nm.

 

Jim - yes, that tells me how to release the tie rod from the hub, but I know how to do that and have the tool. I'm looking for how to release the inner tie rod from the rack. From the picture, it appears to be pretty straight forward: get the inner tie rod tool, take off the boot (gaitor?), operate tool ... I have new boots, so not worried if I have to cut one off. Then again, I just might try the heat trick ... decisions, decisions.

Thanks, Mark

 

If the outer tie rod end is a tapered stud and you have enough room ...

loosen the nut, but do not remove. Put a heavy sledge hammer on one side of the steering arm, whack the other side of the steering arm with a club hammer several times.

This sets up a vibration to loosen the taper and the taper forces itself apart. The heavy sledge is to have enough inertia so that it can act as an anvil. Just hammering on one side of the arm does not work nearly as well ... if at all.

 

Hi Mark
Here are few how to replace inner tierods, I found on the internet. None of them are Jaguar repairs, but they all seem to show the same procedure using the special tool similar to the Harbor tool.

The first listed here has a video that includes using the Harbor tool.
http://www.ifitjams.com/tie_rod.htm

These others mention the removal of the inner tierod boot - here is example:


http://www.ehow.com/how_6869893_change-tie-rods.html

http://forums.motivemag.com/showthread.php?2902749

Hope this helps

Maybe you can take some photos and create a DIY about the repair. If you need help with formatting text or inserting photos, send me a private message or email and I will provide help with it.

Jim Lombardi

 

From my experience, Jag does not sell the inner tie rod separately. Its not that the dealer WANTS to sell you a whole rack, but they probably aren't going to search out an aftermarket inner tie rod. They are available. Rebuilders can get them so why can't we? Try Welsh Enterprises. I know they can find a whole bunch of stuff even when its not listed on their website. I also get some stuff from Chris at Jaguar West Chester parts. He usually can find stuff if you give him time.

 

Hi
Here are 2 websites that sell the inner tierods:
Coventry West - weblink Coventry West, Inc. - Online Store (MNC3901ADEND $59.95) they are located in Lithonia, GA.


Rock Auto Parts (located in Madison, WI )


I probably would buy the one from Coventry West, but I have received very good parts from Rock Auto.

I do not know anything about Klarius/Quinton Hazell parts quality. The information I found on the internet says it is Europe's Largest after market auto parts company, headquarters are in Manchester UK.

 

At least RockAuto is willing to come clean on who the supplier is. Probably the same as everyone else selling it at higher prices.

 

Thanks for all of the tips. I've taken a little holiday to clean house since I've been working on the car for the last five weeks in a row.

I'll get back into the car tomorrow and try the heat trick first, then go from there.

Mark

 

The heat worked and the new tie rod end is installed. Now all I need is to get the front end alligned, and the tires are due for replacement.

Thanks again for everyone's comments; there's a lot of good information in this thread.

By the way, I installed the Poly bushings from Paramount Performance. So far, I'm totally satisfied. The ride is slightly stiffer than OEM bushings, so good cornering without spoiling the typical smoothness. One rainy day here since the rebuild, and no squeaking, so the copper based grease that was supplied with the bushings seems to be working as advertised.

Mark

 

Nice to hear about the bushings -- previously most felt the ride suffered too much and feedback through the wheel with the polly

Not familiar with the Paramount product .. so keep us updated!

 

This morning while checking my email, there was the "Your 2020 Year in Review" from the Forum. When I clicked on it, there was more than 2020 in there, and this post was one of them. So, I thought that I would provide the update that yeldogt requested as it's only been 11 years since that was posted and most, if not all, that responded back then are still active here.

The shop that I took the car to wasn't able to align the front end with those poly bushings. When I was putting them in I noticed that the inner sleeve was somewhat loose on the bolt, so that may be the problem; don't know for sure, but I still have the bushings in a box (I was looking at them the other day), so I might try using a sleeve from the stock bushings the next time the front end is due for a rebuild. That might be a few years as I've had it rebuilt again back in November of '15. Anyway, I ended up going back to stock bushings for the upper and lower wishbones; the sway bar bushings worked well and are still in there. In fact, they look good, but the links appear to need some attention soon. Those were replaced at the same time as the bushings.

So, there's the update for 2011. Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to all for 2021 !!
.
PS (edit) - When I had the suspension done in '15, the shop where I had the work done put in a new steering rack....