<VV> Tie rods..

[Rick Norris]

Tony,

I never met a tie rod sleeve I couldn't get loose..one way or another!
In the past I have buggered them up with a pipe wrench, vise grips, cold 
chisel and other tools but, the correct wrench (Clarks and others) makes it 
easier and saves the piece. I find it's a lot easier to work on these 
rascals by removing them from the car and use a bench vise but, it is 
sometimes a hassle to get the rod ends out of the steering arms. I have 
removed it all by unbolting the steering arms, pitman arm and idler arm and 
remove the whole mess for easy access!
Usually a good penetrant and elbow grease will loosen them up but if the 
rust is really bad heat will be your friend. A common propane torch with 
MAPP gas available from Lowes or Homie D pot which burns hotter than propane 
will do the trick. After removal I clean all the rust out, bead blast and 
paint them. Upon reinstallation I apply some anti seize compound to the 
threads and they are good to go. The clamps are usually reusable but I 
always replace the bolts and nuts. Also you can replace the sleeves with a 
set made from stainless steel available from the vendors. I have done this 
several of my cars but the stainless is heavier.

Rick Norris
#36 Sunoco Corvair
www.corvairalley.com


>  Anyway, in my case (1960 Monza), I was told by the alignment shop that 
> they need to be
>  replaced (not because they were worn) but because he could NOT? loosen 
> the sleeve
>  in order to set the toe-in...>
>  "you have to buy a new set" was his solution. Is there a way to loosen 
> the sleeves?>
>  Tony I.