Rear Linkage: Thrust Arm + Tie Rod Replacement

[mad1]

Hi All

I got my parts and am about to replace both thrust arms and the right tie rod (all in the rear). The car is a 1988 190E 2.6.

Questions:

1. Is it hard to remove the original thrust arms? Do I need a propane torch? I don't have access to impact equipment, but do have a decent breaker bar.

2. To remove the tie rod balljoint, will a tie rod removal fork fit or do I need a puller-type?

3. I got a new eccentric bolt kit. How do I align the old tie rod with the new bolt kit?

4. I have read in threads that all nuts must be torqued under load - with the wheel carrier jacked up. What is the wheel carrier? How far to jack it up? I don't have ramps otherwise I'd have used those.

5. Anybody in the Toronto area know where I can get a 12 mm XZN bit?



Anything else I'm missing?

Thanks in advance. As usual, I promise a writeup once done

[Oreo]

Hi Mad1

Good to hear that you're still at it. The rear arms are relatively easy to replace. Just change them one at a time. That way the whole assembly remains intact. The tie rods have to come off with the same ball joint breaker but I use the screw in type rather then the pickle fork.

Good luck
Oreo

[mad1]

Originally Posted by Oreo

Hi Mad1

Good to hear that you're still at it. The rear arms are relatively easy to replace. Just change them one at a time. That way the whole assembly remains intact. The tie rods have to come off with the same ball joint breaker but I use the screw in type rather then the pickle fork.

Good luck
Oreo

Hey Oreo

Thanks. I only waited so long because of school. I finished the thrust arms today. But, I'm having serious issues with the tie rod. See here.