bnscott2

Hi all -- first post.

This past weekend I tried to replace the inner tie rod ends on a 2000 windstar ( along with outers upon recommendation by the dealer ) -- I borrowed an inner tie-rod end tool from autozone which looked as if it would do the trick--- a long hollow tool with a socket on the end --- it fits the after-market replacement tie rod end -but when I got the thing apart, it would not fit on the FORD oem part. It appears that the OEM nut has a bulged/rounded section before the hex nut portion --- and thus the tool would not slide over the nut.

I'm curious if anyone has a solution to this? How do professionals get to this part?

Any help appreciated....stumped...

Johnny Mullet

I have never replaced inner tie rods on a Windstar. We usually put an entire rack in them. Maybe remove the boot and try an air hammer? Maybe someone else here has more info for ya.

bnscott2

Well, the dealer said that they needed to be replaced -- -and wanted more than $400 to replace them ---

I did some more searching around on the 'net and found that the Ampro tool #T75823 ($34) should do the trick --- I have ordered that and should be able to try again this weekend.

I don't know if they need to be replaced or not, I was just going on the recommendation by the Omniscient Ford Dealer.

I do know that the alignment is way out of whack --- the camber is really off -- I'm hoping that a shop can resurrect it when I get it to them.

Thanks!

Johnny Mullet

To know if the inner tie rod ends are bad follow this procedure.,.........

Jack up one side of the van so the wheel is off the ground and make sure it is safe. Grab the tire from the outer positions of 9:00 and 3:00 and wiggle with force. If you feel play or looseness, then have an assistant wiggle while you look for the problem. Grab the tie rod end while he wiggles and feel for play.

Do the same for the other side. What's loose?