Yesterday I decided to change the lower bushings on my front suspension. One of the first things I had to do was to disconnect the outer tie rod end. As soon as the nut loosened slightly, the tie rod ball joint just started spinning and I was having trouble loosening the nut any further. I finally got it off by grabbing the whole assembly with a pair of channel-locks to keep the tapered end of the ball joint firmly seated in the steering arm. That allowed me to turn the nut without the ball joint turning, but still it was a pain in the *** to get the nut off, even using an impact wrench.

So, does the fact that the ball joint on the tie rod was spinning indicate that it is bad? If this is normal, how are they supposed to be removed? I kinda doubt that my channel-lock method is the "approved" method of removing tie rod ends.

 

I offer my personal opinion. Yes, the ball joint will spin should the torque on the lock nut overcome the resistance of the tapered seat. The lock nut as it was being loosened hit resistance on the threads and started the ball joint spinning. A C-clamp to keep the bolt firmly seated while removing the bolt is what I have used. Some suggest a jack under the tie rod to keep it seated while removing the nut (I don't for fear of bending some other component). Sounds as if your channel lock method worked.
While the tie rod ends may not be bad, they now have become the oldest steering and suspension components after replacing the bushings.
I, personally, would replace the tie rod ends for peace of mind. Since an alignment will be required to put everything back into specs, no sense having the potential of worn tie rod ends causing further problems.

 

Sam, I would agree on replacement. The T-ends are relatively inexpensive and since you have them off its an opportune time to go new. With new suspension bushings and T-ends the steering should feel like new again. By the way are you planning another photo shoot for the bushing project?

 

I've ordered some aftermarket tie rod ends (beck-arnley), about the only non-oem part i'm choosing to install next week on my suspension project, I sure hope my experience is less troublesome than yours.

 

A jack under the tie rod end! That would work better than the channel-locks. Thanks for the idea, Doug!

Yes, I'm going to make a video. I got to the point where I needed to disconnect the lower ball joint and I couldn't separate it with the fork that I was using. I'm going to Harbor Freight tomorrow to buy one of those fancy ball joint tools. Hopefully I'll have it done tomorrow evening with the video done a day or two later.