Replacing control arms.

JOB

Member
The control arms on the 2001 Windstar van needs to be replaced. Question is do you need to remove the struts to do this?

I also need to replace the inner tie rod end on the right side. Do you need to remove the steering rack to do this or just remove what ever is necessary to get at the boot around the inner tie rod?

Any suggestions?
 
You do not need to remove the struts to replace the control arms. Just separate them from the steering knuckle at the ball joints. Mostly nut and bolt work. No special secrets or tools needed. Just straight bull work.
For the inner tie rod end, you can replace it with the rack in place. First, break loose the jam nut that locks the outer tie rod in place. Next, disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Next, remove the outer end by unscrewing it CCW. COUNT THE TURNS as you remove the outer end. When you re-assemble, you will use that number to re-install the outer end. Next, remove the jam nut. Now comes the slightly more difficult part....
Remove the boot, and slide it off over the inner end. You will now have access to the tie rod end itself. It unscrews CCW (lefty loosey, rightey tightey). Most likely it will give you significant resistance to break it loose. After all, you would not want it coming loose as you drive, would you?? If access is really tight, Harbor Freight sells a set of tools for removing inner tie rod ends. Not cheap, but a lot less expensive than a stealership. Reverse the procedure to put it all back together. Remember to count the turns when you put the outer tie rod end back on. This will keep your front end alignment close to correct.

In any case, after replacing these parts, a trip to the alignment shop would be in order to set everything straight again. Good luck!!
 
Sorry, guy, you are simply mistaken this time. This job is just straight up nuts and bolts. A trained monkey could do it.
 
The area where the inner tie rod is at is very difficult to get at. So I guess just take off what is in the way. Thanks
 
I know what you mean. Some days, I want one too! But then, if I slow down and take to the rocking chair, there is not much left to hang around for, eh?
 

That monk can ruin a rack rite fast if he does not hold the rack while he breaks the inner loose... It not as EZ as it sounds...
 
The wrench to remove the inner tie rod is about 24inches long,it can be rented at some parts stores. As an after thought, look on YouTube.
 
I can see where holding the shaft coming out of the
rack would be a very good idea, there must be a flat
somewhere so you can do that.

I watched a u tube where it said you should hold the
shaft on a windstar but that person did not do that.
 
I did not think about u tube before I asked on here. On this site there are some very smart people that will give advise that is not told on U tube. U tube was helpful but I really appreciate the thoughts and advise I get here. Thanks
 
(quoted from post at 06:10:51 04/10/14)
That monk can ruin a rack rite fast if he does not hold the rack while he breaks the inner loose... It not as EZ as it sounds...

There is a something most bulls don't know.... never Tighten the front suspension control arm to sub frame nuts and bolts until the vehicles suspension is supporting supporting the vehicles weight. This applies to any control arm upper lower bar none...

If you do not have the ability/means to do this snug up the bolts then drive to a alignment shop and have them check the alignment and nail those bolts while they have it on a alignment rack... I would inform them to loosen and tighten them with the weight of the vehicle on the suspension. :wink:... Failure to perform this will prematurely ware the bushing out.... Any good alignment man will know zackly what you are requesting...
 
Remember - pickle forks destroy ball joint boots...in case you're not planning to replace everything. Also, don't forget to do a wheel alignment when finished.
 
A guy on utube mentioned wearing out the bushings
prematurely but did not say how to prevent it. I
have one side done now and will do the other side
tomorrow. I can loosen up what I have already done
and when the other side is done put the van down on
some ramps and crawl under it and tighten up the
bushing bolts. If that does not work I will ask the
alignment shop to do it. Thanks for the tip
 
(quoted from post at 06:18:33 04/11/14) A guy on utube mentioned wearing out the bushings
prematurely but did not say how to prevent it. I
have one side done now and will do the other side
tomorrow. I can loosen up what I have already done
and when the other side is done put the van down on
some ramps and crawl under it and tighten up the
bushing bolts. If that does not work I will ask the
alignment shop to do it. Thanks for the tip

That should work...
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top