Avants

I am installing some today on my 99. I read the tech section way of doing it. Any tips or concerns I should watch out for. I already have replaced all the upper control arms on both sides.TIA

PaulW

1. If you can't get them off, DON'T USE HEAT! You'll end up ruining the boot over the inner tie rod.

2. Use a plumber's wrench on the tie rod to break it loose and make sure you have a 18mm open ended wrench to hold the inner tie rod.

3. The locking nut is 22mm, it's best to have one of those too. If it's stuck, you can back the nut all the way off and try to keep turning it after it backs to the end of the threads.

Here's two pictures of trying to get a stuck tie rod end off, first I unlocked the locking nut and used the plumber's wrench to try and turn the tie rod....no go.

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/susp_whls_brake_steer/tr7.JPG">

The second attempt I backed the locking nut all the way off to the end of the threads, and using the 18mm wrench in the springs to hold it still, I turned and turned, but no go:

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/susp_whls_brake_steer/tr8.JPG">

In the end, I marred the boot (meaning I ripped it after I used heat), gave up, and soaked the threads with penetrating oil for the weekend, left the locking screw undone. Brought it to the dealer on Monday for my alignment, and they wrestled it off and replaced the boot from a used rack they had laying around. It was Laurel in Westmont, I'm thankful that they did a great job. They then aligned it.

Good luck!

Paul