After shooting “1979 Ford Fairmont a Closer Look” I decided to replace the right inner tie rod on the Fairmont. It was pretty loose and was also wearing my tire on that side a little funny. I thought it would be a good idea to just go ahead and replace it. As you can see in the video it’s not that difficult. I had a harder time with the cotter pin than the inner tie rod. Still, this video will apply to all fox bodies of this vintage and get you the information you need to know to get the job done.
Here’s some useful links.
“1979 Ford Fairmont a Closer Look”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2I0c-jJa14&feature=youtu.be
“How To Use a Grease Gun to Lube a Chassis”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB2RiRKDQ9k
Tools
90º Pliers: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/performance-tool-w1046-11-90-long-handle-plier/#oid=1002_1
Inner Tie Rod Tool: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/lisle-54500-large-inner-tie-rod-tool/#oid=1002_1
Option 2 Inner Tie Rod Tool: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/cal-van-tools-946-inner-tie-rod-remover/#oid=1002_1
Drill Dr.: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/drill-doctor-350x-drill-bit-sharpener/#oid=1002_1
Discussion about this video: http://ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/50063-replacing-inner-tie-rods-fox-body-ford#91116
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
You could be Jim Carey's calm uncle. Fantastic video thank you.
hey erick question i have 2010 chrysler sebring touring no my driver side inner tie rod is bad and i want to replace but im not sure if has to be replace it in pairs, in other words do i need replaced passanger and driver side or if i replace the one s bad should be ok?
There is no me without you…if you have any questions feel free to ask or email me! Thanks
If u just leave the outer tie rod on and remove it as an assembly u can measure the old one to get it pretty close
Definitely get that cotter pin out while in the car.
Great video, No clue why people dislike your videos. You make the average Joe comfortable with auto repairs. Thanks for your great videos.
Make sure u clip that zip tie straight one thing I hate when working on a car is cutting my hand on a zip tie wher some on cut it at a razor sharp tip lol
Hi Eric the easier way instead of measuring is just count the rotations of the tie rod end as you take it off, then when putting it back on do the exact rotation back on!!!
My inner tie rod boots have been ripped for a good part of 2 years now. I’ve noticed black liquid around the exit point, does that mean the steering rack is bad? If not can I just remove the inner tie rod, clean the socket area that’s probably all sorts of dirty with brake clean, re lube, and then replace it with a new inner tie rod part?
I trust myself enough to do this repair. I don't trust myself to put it back together perfectly aligned. I would absolutely get an alignment check at a shop.
Got all kinds of room on this repair. Try this on a Peugeot Partner! You'll be swearing. I guarantee it.
Thank You sir. You help save us broke car guys some money
its s a devil pin
too much time to take out the pin……
Eric what do u have on the end of the hamer
Are you supposed to grease the socket
I hope I'm not going to be a pain in the ass but here's another tip. Put a block of wood under that tie rod end when you are pounding the pin out while it's clamped on the vise. The block has to be just short enough so that the hole is exposed and then pound away……that sounds weird. This way the tie rod doesn't move downwards when hammering on the pin. BTW that car is old as I am yeesshhhh .
Eric why didn't you use a pick or needle nose pliers to take that pin out. Stick it in the head hole (heh heh) and wiggle that sucker loose. Anyways man ðŸ‘Â👠stay safe.
Snap-on sell s a carter pin removal tool
helped me with my 02GT Thanks +EricTheCarGuy
They need replacing when you replace the muffler bearings and blinker fluid change
There's an inexpensive cotter pin extractor tool that works very well.
count the amount of turns it takes to remove the outer tie rod end. Elementary really. Good video.
Hey Eric, quick question for you. I'm really enjoying this video series on the Fairmont… very cool project! What I'm wondering is about alignments in general. The alignment shop I take my cars to always tends to not get the steering wheel perfectly centered when they do an alignment. For example, I replace all of the front and rear suspension parts on my '04 4Runner and when I got the alignment done right after, the car seems to track straight, but when tracking straight the steering wheel is slightly off center. If I hold the wheel straight the car turns slightly to the left. Looking at the printout of the alignment things seem to be within spec. So are my expectations too high that the steering wheel should be perfectly centered? Or is this a case of the alignment shop not doing a great job, or something else?
Sometimes doing things the hard way is fun.
All this talk of cotter pin removal and nobody mentioned how awesome it was to see you properly secure the new pin. I think at least 75% of mechanics don't know how to properly secure a cotter pin. Kudos, Eric.
dear eric I have a 2004 ford free star it needs a few thing manley ac has a bad leek I don't have sweet glands and summer is horrible can you help your welcome to film it I'm willing to pay if its needed
Way Kool.
I found it easy for me to take a 16d nail cut off the point and then knock the pins out with a hammer
nice video, I am concerned about the twisting force placed on the inner rack piston? Is this ok or is there a way to hold the piston while breaking the inner tie rod loose? Am I being overly concerned? Thank you.
omg you started fixing it!stop!i like your videos very much ,dont do it
Good video Eric. Thanks.
Hey Eric, the method I use for pesky cotter pins is to cut the loop and pull one half of the pin out with the side cutters, often this is way easier than pulling the whole thing out
puller
cotter pin puler