I have a question about aftermarket tie rods on my 91 sentra: since I am replacing a lot of parts on the front suspension, I decided to replace the tie rods (inner and outer pieces) as well. The pieces I got are a little shorter (not really a problem) otherwise they seem to fit well.

Once the inner tie rod is screwed to the steering rack, there is a four point locking metal bracket that has tabs that are bent around the tie rod to keep it from backing out. Well, with the aftermarket tie rod in, i can't get it tight enough to line the four square faces with this locking piece. The last point it lines up isn't quite tight enough.

I was thinking about ditching this locking plate (since it'll be damn near impossible to rebend the tabs around the tie rod), and just using some locktite and tightening it up as much as possible. Does anyone think this wouldn't be sufficient? I don't think the tie rod would back itself out, or would it? For anybody else that has done this: how did your tie rod replacement go?

Any help is really appreciated, I'm probably going to take off work tomorrow to get this thing finished up.

Aaron

I did inner and outer tie-rod ends on my se-r and the only problem I had was on that locking plate you have to indent it with a punch and hammer and it is a bitch to get on it. You have to do this. It is part of locking it. You can not take of the locking plate. I sure this is to prevent it from working it's way loose and losing control of the vehicle.

I took off the locking plates on both sides. Yeah, they are supposed to keep the inner rods from rotating out, but because of the very limited space, and the aftermarket rods I was using which would not line up enough to lock it down, I removed them.

They popped right off the steering rack without any problem, and to keep the rods from coming out (probably wouldn't anyway) I using some loctite red. Needless to say, if they need to be replaced again, I'll take it into a shop.

Aaron

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They popped right off the steering rack without any problem, and to keep the rods from coming out (probably wouldn't anyway) I using some loctite red. Needless to say, if they need to be replaced again, I'll take it into a shop.

Aaron [/B][/QUOTE]


Good idea.