[randythedrummer]

How do you access the 38mm inner tie rod nut (tie rod to rack), on these XI models? I purchased and 38mm crows foot however there is no where to access the tie rod to unthread it form the rack due to the front axle support completely covering it. How are you guys and gals removing this as well as the boot clamp ring on the rack side? Any help would be appreciated!

[Soravia]

Do you have to replace inner? I just went with outer.
Had to use pipe wrench, 2x 13mm, and a long pipe on 13mm to get it off due to rust in threads

[Mike Whitney]

Obvious question, but you did try turning the steering wheel to full lock to try for better access, right?

[randythedrummer]

Originally Posted by Mike Whitney

Obvious question, but you did try turning the steering wheel to full lock to try for better access, right?

I did, but seems it still doesn't give me enough access unfortunately.

[randythedrummer]

Originally Posted by Soravia

Do you have to replace inner? I just went with outer.
Had to use pipe wrench, 2x 13mm, and a long pipe on 13mm to get it off due to rust in threads

Not sure if I have to. I replaced all the suspension (lower control arms, tension/compression strut, front struts, strut mounts rear shocks, and wanted to replace the inner and outer tie rod as they have been on the car for 10 years now. All the DIY's I can find are for RWD versions which are a breeze compared to an XI.

[Soravia]

Originally Posted by randythedrummer

Not sure if I have to. I replaced all the suspension (lower control arms, tension/compression strut, front struts, strut mounts rear shocks, and wanted to replace the inner and outer tie rod as they have been on the car for 10 years now. All the DIY's I can find are for RWD versions which are a breeze compared to an XI.

In that case replace only the outer. Inner hardly ever sees wear or anything. If the boot is cracking you can just replace the boot and it will run fine. My outer ball joint rubber torn the minute I tried to separate it from spindle.
DO NOT separate the outer from front spindle until all the control arm torques are unloaded. That applies to the control arm connection to spindle/knuckle as well. Undo the torque and they will simply fall off the spindle as you take off the nuts holding them on the spindle.

[randythedrummer]

Originally Posted by Soravia

In that case replace only the outer. Inner hardly ever sees wear or anything. If the boot is cracking you can just replace the boot and it will run fine. My outer ball joint rubber torn the minute I tried to separate it from spindle.
DO NOT separate the outer from front spindle until all the control arm torques are unloaded. That applies to the control arm connection to spindle/knuckle as well. Undo the torque and they will simply fall off the spindle as you take off the nuts holding them on the spindle.

Yep. Thats what I'll do. Hopefully the outers aren't rusted on to the inners too bad and don't give me too much grief. Thanks for the tips regarding releasing the torque on the control arms and spindle. I'll take all the help I can get

[Soravia]

I put on anti-seize on the tie rod thread for future. Liquid Film also works to keep out moisture

[eljay]

I was going to replace the full tie rod, but seeing the access issue, I think I will only replace the outer even though I already have the full new tie rods and boots.

How did you re-clamp the inner boot end by the rack?
There's no access to use clamp pliers. Did you replace the clamp with a regular worm clamp instead?

[relative4]

Offset clamp pliers.

[matteblue3er]

I'm pretty sure you can get access by turning the steering wheel to move the joint to where you have access. I don't recall having any access issues when replacing my inner ball joints