LHS inner tie rod replaceable?

[patrick1]

I just took my wife's car in to the dealership to diagnose a clunking sound from the left front of the vehicle. Turned out it was a blown shock, but the mechanic also said the left hand side inner tie rod had some play in it. I looked at the Vitara factory service manual and it does not show that the inner tie rod can be replaced. In fact it says "Never disassemble tie-rod except for canvas top LH model. Performing this prohibited service will affect original performance".

Most parts suppliers (Raybestos, Back Arnley, etc) show that the two of the inner tie rod part can be replaced on the vehicle. Not sure what the disconnect is here.

My wife's car is a 2000 vitara 4x4 2.0L 4-door. Can anyone tell me if the mechanic is full of it? ...or whether the tie rod can actually be replaced?

Thanks in advance!

[Max]

One can purchase (and replace) either the inner or outer.

2000 SUZUKI VITARA Tie Rod End

Not sure if the mechanic has the know-how, tools or re-alignment capabilities to accomplish the task though.

[razor02097]

If the mechanic doesn't have an alignment rack he will likely take it to a tire shop to have it aligned. In fact in some cases you can save money having your mechanic replace the tie rod rather than the tire shop... you wouldn't believe what some of those tire shop crooks try to charge for parts.

My suggestion would be to have him show you that it is loose then get a quote from him and 2 other shops including a tire shop. Make sure you verify they include alignment in the quote.

[patrick1]

Originally Posted by Max

One can purchase (and replace) either the inner or outer.

2000 SUZUKI VITARA Tie Rod End

Not sure if the mechanic has the know-how, tools or re-alignment capabilities to accomplish the task though.

Yes I saw the parts when I was trying figure out how to do the job. I am just confounded by the service manual's directions and the fact that the parts diagram on the Suzuki parts software does not show the left inner tie rod as removable. Has anyone actually changed it? I want to do the job myself and just take it to an alignment shop to get it aligned.

[fordem]

Yes - the tie-rods are replaceable, yes - I have done it - and I would suggest you consider replacing the rubber gaiter whilst you're about it. Also make sure you get the tie-rod lock when you order the tie-rod because Suzuki does not supply them together.

It's not a difficult task, assuming you have the required tools and experience - if you don't, I would suggest you take it to someone who does - steering is critical to your safety.

You will need a ball joint or tie rod puller to release the tie rod end from the knuckle and also a tie-rod tool (google it) to release the tie-rod itself, along with the normal hand tools - don't forget to mark the tie rod end and count how many turns it takes to remove it, so that you can get it back to a similar position on the new tie-rod.

[billsmartis]

There hasn't been a ball joint or a tie rod I haven't been able to get loose with using just a simple hammer. Years ago I spent 2 hours trying to get a ball joint our of a 62 chevy. I had a hydraulic jack on the lower ball joint and had the full weight of the car on it while whacking a pickle fork between the A frame and ball joint with NO success. I call my buddy and asked him to help me and when he got there he told me to get out of the way and take that pickle fork and throw it over the nearest fence. He jacked the car up by the frame hit the A frame 3 times and the ball joint popped loose in less than 30 seconds. I have yet to use anything but a large heavy hammer to remove any taper lock front end parts in 40 years.

[fordem]

I'll agree with your buddy - throw the pickle fork away - especially if you're planning on reusing the ball joint.

Being able to shock a ball joint loose from it's tapered seat with a hammer is something that comes with experience, and for anyone asking the questions this guy is, he lacks that experience - I'll do it if I have to, but I prefer to use a puller when it's available,