cant get tie rod end loose

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK
88 MILES
Avatar
GREGSCST
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
'05 Subaru Outback tie rod end crown nut will not back off the screw. The screw turns with the nut. I don't see an apparent way to get a hold of the screw. Should the screw turn freely?

The cotter pin is removed, am checking to verify that it is completely clear. There is no screw driver head in the screw. The screw doesn't at turn the bottom side of the tie rod end.
Oct 15, 2011 at 8:24 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,306 POSTS
As near as I can tell, you can't get the nut off the stud. Use a large channel lock pliers to force the stud up into the hole in the steering arm. It's a tapered stud, and that pressure from the pliers will wedge it into the taper to hold it from spinning. If you're replacing the outer tie rod end, you can also cut the stud off or cut the nut in half with an air cutoff tool. New tie rod ends usually come with a new nut.
Oct 15, 2011 at 8:33 PM
Avatar
GREGSCST
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
That's right, its the nut on the stud. I've tried cranking the tie end over with large channell locks, I'll try like you say and force the screw into the knucle.
Oct 15, 2011 at 8:46 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
GREGSCST
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Can't seem to get enough force into the taper. Don't have air handy but do have a rotozip. Time for some glasses and ear plugs.
Oct 15, 2011 at 8:58 PM
Avatar
GREGSCST
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Out standing! Had to cut the nut (insert praise for rotozip here). Had a metal cutting wheel handy. Thanks for the advise, I wouldn't have thought to cut the nut (avoiding the knuckle marerial!) until sometime next month.
Oct 15, 2011 at 9:15 PM
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,306 POSTS
Happy to hear it's solved.
Oct 15, 2011 at 11:17 PM