Staking inner tie rods--Tips and tricks?

[GrandpasLumina]

Just wanted to see if anyone has any tips on staking the inner tie rods. I'm hoping to use a cinder block or something to support the rack, then use a hammer and chisel to bend the metal. Not sure if I'll actually have room for that, though. I know they make crimping tools specifically for inner tie rods, but they're kind of expensive.

 

(This is on a 97 Lumina, by the way).

[l67ss]

Kinda confused by your question lol

[Galaxie500XL]

He's talking about bending "staking" the lockwasher over the flats on the tie rod.

 

The idea is to prevent the tie rod from turning and loosening over time.  Think of it as a really painful way to do what a cotter pin would do.

[l67ss]

I don't see why you'd have to on an inner tie rod

[GrandpasLumina]

Basically what Galaxie500XL said, but this type doesn't come with the lock washer. Instead, the whole mating surface is recessed a bit, so you're supposed to bend the lip of it. Like he said, basically the same idea as a cotter pin--a last little bit of insurance so that you can (hopefully) pull your car over safely in case of a catastrophic failure.

[l67ss]

I changed inner rods on my car and don't remember any of that

[GrandpasLumina]

Well, it wouldn't be strictly necessary. It only becomes an issue if it were to somehow come loose.

[l67ss]

With the tq it calls for when tightening it shouldn't come loose. I'd be weary of damaging threads

[Imp558]

I use a long chisel or a prybar that the handle is broken off of. When I did it the metal bent so easily it didn't seem necessary to support the rack.

[RobertISaar]

GM specifies the operation during an inner tie rod  replacement, but I don't think I've ever actually done it before.

[White93z34]

I've never done it myself

[GrandpasLumina]

Thanks, Imp558. I was concerned that the metal would be tough to bend, but now I'm not too worried about it.