How do I replace the "tie rod" - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jrmd01 · #1 05-23-2003, 03:57 AM

The tie rod on the driver's side is "going bad" how do I replace this? Is this something I can do myself or should I take it to a mercedes mechanic?

janko · #2 05-23-2003, 06:40 AM

i replaced a tie rod on my 83 300d t. used a 'pickel fork'. just pound the living hell and it will eventually break free. adjust the new tie rod for lenght approximating the replaced tie rod. then proceed to the alignment shop. nothing to it. just use lots of force.

#3 05-23-2003, 07:07 AM

What MODEL are you working on? Some of the newer cars have a rack and pinion which is a different procedure if it is an inner.

If it does not have a rack and pinion the following comments will apply. I rarely use a pickle fork. The stud is tapered and in a tapered hole. After removing the nut which might require removing a cotter pin, Strike the end of the steering arm with a large hammer. The force will shrink the tapered hole and squeeze the stud out.

Please always specify what model you are working on when posting your question.

Good luck,

jrmd01 · #4 05-23-2003, 11:58 AM

Thanks Larry for reminding me. I forgot to mention my car is an 86 300E.

I bought the tie rod yesterday. It was cheaper to buy the whole rod with the inner and outer boot. Hopefully someone who has done this already on their car can give me advice on the most efficient way to replace this tie rod.

Q · #5 05-23-2003, 12:06 PM

I agree about not using the pickle fork. I beat on mine (no snikering!!) for 20 minutes with no luck. Finally, in a fit of rage, I whacked the side of the arm that the tie rod stud went through and the thing just popped.

jrmd01 · #6 05-23-2003, 05:36 PM

It was cheaper to buy the whole rod with both the inner and outer boot. So it looks like I'll be replacing the whole rod.

Do I just approximate the length with the orginal one, or is there a specific length?

Is there an easy way to get this rod out? So far someone has mentioned a pickled fork and others has just hammered it until it came out. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

#7 05-23-2003, 08:17 PM

There is no specified length. Just get it as close to the length of the original as you can.

Use a hammer on the end of the steering knuckle arm and on the Pitman arm to pop the studs loose after removing the nuts.

Good luck,

420benz · #8 05-23-2003, 11:18 PM

I just did mine and got the FORK from Auto Zone[free rentel] but if i were you i would replace both sides.

#9 05-25-2003, 09:15 AM

Again, the fork is absolutely not necessary and is only added expense. I have a pickle fork and have used it a lot, but very rarely for removing tie rod ends. A BFH is quicker, easier and in the cases where you will be reusing the tie rod end, it will be reusable. The pickle fork will stress the ball to socket connection and render the tie rod end unusable.

Good luck,