Tie rod replacement

[WidowmakerS2]

I recently bought 2 complete tie rods, and tonight I went about the business of changing my old knackered ones for new shiny (black) parts.

Getting the outer joints loose was okay, but when I got to the inner joints it stopped. The bracket that holds the two ends to the rack is impossible to remove bacause the two screws are too long. I can't help but to think whoever changed these the last time must have had the rack out.

Any ideas or top tips? I'm going to sleep on it, but I think I'll just cut the bolts

And yeah, by "just cut the bolts" i mean swear, bust knuckles, cut into the loom, cut too much of the bolts etc.

[macspring]

Hi,

Presumably a 3b with the battery close to where you’re working ?

Others should have BTDT.

If so they should be able to advise.

[WidowmakerS2]

3b, but battery in the back

The problem isn't getting the two nuts out, it's that its not enough room between the bracket and the steering rack to get it out completely. It's a matter of mm's

[macspring]

Is it possible to take a decent photo(s) tomorrow to illustrate your difficulty ?

Not saying I know the answer, but photos always encourage others to assist.

[WidowmakerS2]

Guess I could, but I'll probably go at this first thing tommorrow morning.

[macspring]

No pressure, your choice, not much feedback at this time of the night.

You’ll probably crack it yourself yourself tomorrow morning after a good night’s sleep.

[Error404]

The tie rods are bolted to a bracket / yoke. You need to remove this bracket/yoke that is bolted to the rack piston, then you can easily remove the tie rods.
This is the bracket

Remove 2 x M10 (17mm) nylock nuts on the top, then you need to unscrew the M10 (17mm) bolts from underneath. Once the yolk is loose it is easy

[newsh]

Yoke (yolks are in eggs)

Alex is correct, remove the whole bracket and its easy. Check the bracket for cracks while it's out

[Error404]

I like yolks

[WidowmakerS2]

Ended up doing it like explained above. I tried loosening those nuts before, but they must have been tightened by king kong on steroids. Not that there's much room down there anyway.

Thanks guys!