The Unofficial "Ask a Stupid Question" Thread

Jae 'Bird said:
This is gonna be a really stupid question, but, can the inner tie rods be replaced? I can't find the procedure in the Haynes manual. without looking into it I purchased both inner and out tie rods when I was on Rockauto because they were super affordable and it would only increase shipping by $1.86 so I figured hey why not, my steering is pretty loose and it needs to be done. But its not obvious if it is replaceable. I know I need the special tool but I can rent that for free from Part Source.
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You know, I've actually got the same question, lol.

I've taken off the boot, and that's about as far as I got. I'm not sure how it comes off beyond that. I see that there's a lock ring, but I don't think that's part of the inner arm as the new inner arm doesn't have that bit.
 
I found that some of the aftermarket inner tierod ends have a dowel pin that gets tapped in after install. Some like the OE Motorcraft don't have it, so Loctite is probably a good idea on them.

Here is one that has it, guess some have two.
1747504936015.png

Also TRW inner tire rods are on clearance at RA for $9.16... Good price for the OEM part, I recently paid 30 something for a Motorcraft
 
I always locktite even with the pin.
For removal turn the rack so there’s just enough of the nut showing as to not stress the rack itself, then crank on it to break it loose.
Once broken loose pop the ball joint from the spindle and pull both inner and outer off, then you can measure for reassembly. Reuse the bellows, aftermarket ones suck.
 
Kenz said:
I found that some of the aftermarket inner tierod ends have a dowel pin that gets tapped in after install. Some like the OE Motorcraft don't have it, so Loctite is probably a good idea on them.

Here is one that has it, guess some have two.
View attachment 12002

Also TRW inner tire rods are on clearance at RA for $9.16... Good price for the OEM part, I recently paid 30 something for a Motorcraft
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I got mevotech ones and they seem to be quite good, they have the pins as well but I still plan to use locktite so there is no chance I lose my steering.
 
Will vinegar eat away at the windshield sprayer plumbing? Asking about the hard lines, I had a couple leaks and we use some home made washer fluid that’s a mix of vinegar soap and water.
 
Kidd-7 said:
Will vinegar eat away at the windshield sprayer plumbing? Asking about the hard lines, I had a couple leaks and we use some home made washer fluid that’s a mix of vinegar soap and water.
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I cant say for sure but my initial thought is that its probably not great to have acidic fluid running through the system (not a criticism just an observation) of course windshield washer fluid is mostly alcohol which is very slightly acidic, but vinegar despite being a weak acid is more corrosive than alcohol. Although to say it caused the leak would be a fallacy as there are too many variables (age, condition, etc.) to pin it on that alone. but it might have contributed
 
The contribution is my concern as well. It is 29 years old, she’s been in the NC sun for ~ the last 6 of those years, so probably not a single root cause.
 
Kidd-7 said:
The contribution is my concern as well. It is 29 years old, she’s been in the NC sun for ~ the last 6 of those years, so probably not a single root cause.
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I would recommend if its in the budget to just use regular windshield washer fluid, every vehicle I have ever come across that has used exclusively it has never had a problem, even going between hot summers and super cold winters, although full time hot weather and sun is probably harder on it than our conditions but still, I also think washer fluid maybe has some properties that help condition seals and rubber and corrosion inhibitors for hardline so fwiw I would use it once you seal the leaks
 
Kidd-7 said:
Will vinegar eat away at the windshield sprayer plumbing? Asking about the hard lines, I had a couple leaks and we use some home made washer fluid that’s a mix of vinegar soap and water.
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IDK about vinegar, I would assume diluted it wouldn't be too damaging on the rubber.

Don't use anything with ammonia. I have a general-purpose cleaner I use for almost everything, it's water/ammonia/fabuloso cleaner. I used it as wiper fluid in my old Navigator for a while, it worked great. But unfortunately it ate through one of the rubber lines going to the rear wiper sprayer.

Since then, I have just been using wiper fluid
 
MadMikeyL said:
It just unscrews out of the rack. Just get a big pair of channel locks or vice grip or adjustable wrench and it spins right off, then the new one spins back on.
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Good to know, thank you!

I'll be taking off the old ones here soon then.

And the torque spec? Or does it really matter so long as it's nice and tight?
 
Ww fluid is methanol, which is hard on plastics. I've had good results using model aircraft fuel line.
 
Another leak, looks like possibly from the level sensor in the coolant overflow tank. Very slight as the level is still correct, but moisture going down under the battery and on there front bumper cover.
I’d there a gasket I can replace on that sensor?
 
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