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Anyone Ever Replace Their Left Inner Steering Tie-Rod?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PriusCamper, Mar 17, 2014.

  1. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Hey Folks... My left inner tie-rod is loose and makes lots of noise when I drive slow on bumpy roads. I've had mechanics estimate one hour to replace it and other mechanics estimate 2.5 hours?

    I'd rather do it myself but I can't find any step by step DIY tutorial on it.

    I'm wary of doing it on my own if I need to disconnect 12v to remove break calipers and use a puller on the axle. Part of me hopes/thinks I can just simply unbolt the outer tie-rod and the inner tie rod would come out easy.

    Of course in High School I worked in an Auto Shop and I learned there that without a lift and every possible tool needed combined with people with decades of experience there are just some car repair jobs you don't want to do in your driveway with a little tiny toolbox of tools. I mean I expect to pay for a professional alignment job even though my friend says he can do one for me for cheap in his driveway. Then again is their much difference between a shop focused on alignments and a a regular old independent mechanic?

    I'm not sure what to do? If anyone with experience can tell me how tough this job as well as share some links I'd appreciate it!

    Thanks, Deane
     
    #1 PriusCamper, Mar 17, 2014
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I haven't needed to do this. May I suggest the following:

    1. Don't be afraid to disconnect the 12V battery before you start. That will avoid the skid control ECU logging DTC as you apply mechanical shocks to the suspension (like when you are trying to remove the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle, it may help to lightly hammer the threaded shaft after the nut is removed, to free the ball joint from the knuckle.) Tightening torque on that nut is 36 ft.-lb.

    2. You will need to apply at least 54 ft.-lb on the locknut that secures the inner end of the tie-rod, so make sure you have a suitable wrench to achieve that torque without rounding the edges of the locknut.

    3. Measure the lengths of the old and new tie-rod, and mark the steering rack as needed so that you can install the new tie-rod and have it protruding the exact same amount as the old tie-rod. Then hopefully, your front alignment toe-in won't be very screwed up and it will be easy to adjust to spec.

    4. Of course, replace the clip that secures the tie-rod end nut, with a new clip.

    5. If your toolbox is really that tiny, then make the decision to invest more heavily in tools so that you can do simple work like this. Or, be prepared to pay 2.5 labor hours or whatever you are charged.

    6. Obtain repair manual info at techinfo.toyota.com

    Good luck.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Mar 17, 2014
  3. Joe 26

    Joe 26 Member

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    Please remove post
     
    #3 Joe 26, Mar 18, 2014
  4. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    The left side of the steering wrack was flopping, new wrack, and alignment
     
    #4 ursle, Mar 18, 2014
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