Inner tie rods question

[David88]

How difficult is it to relace the inner tie rods on a festy? Does the steering rack need to come out, or can it be done in the car? Thanks.

[FestivaFun]

I've a trusted mechanic who's stated the tie rods can just be replaced in car but the alignment will have to be checked. His prices include the alignment and it is a "4 wheel " alignment as these cars have the front wheel drive.
Recheck your ball joints before you do this if you haven't already. Sometimes the ball joints need replacing and this repair includes the tie rods if they're worn out. Any good trustable mechanic I've found will detail out the costs for you.

Helm's shop manual can help you out here, www.helms.com. Mine cost me "$60.00 but it's bound into one book. The Electrical section is separate, frustrating , but alot of info. and you'll be using it alot with the age of our Festivas. It's bound too and very through, and detailed.
Too expensive try Haynes manuals: around $26.00 new now; used to be around 1/2 10 yrs ago. Can try Google ing it or no computer avail. near you try getting the company tele. number for ordering out of the manuals stand inside any Advance Auto or Auto Zone or even PepBoys. For that matter the local library usually has one too.

[dahodges]

Inner tierods I will never do again. Leave it to a shop.

David

[KingFish]

No sweat, but if your front end has not been serviced in a while expect to replace alot more than just the inner rods.

[scitzz]

Unfortunately, the haynes manual does not contain the info on how to replace the inner tie rod ends....

[m715]

The biggest problem with the inner tie rods are getting the old ones broken loose. If you can get past that, you are home free. I always just swap a rack with one I have built up anymore though. My opinion? It is a PITA! I would check the rest of the front end first. You should not need them until the car has at least 150-200,000 miles, just watch for torn boots and keep them replaced. Also, alignments are highly overrated on these cars. If you have a tight front end, you should only need to set toe in, and then only if you have relaced a tie rod end. Bad struts, and lower control arm/ball joint assys are the biggest tire eater in my experience.

Michael