Hello.
I am trying to replace the driver-side: inner tie rod boot, inner tie rod, and outer tie rod, on a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3.
I have successfully removed the outer tie rod, and the inner tie rod boot. Those weren't of much any difficulty.
The problem:
The ball-and-socket joint has no flat surfaces, no "hex" to grab, or anything else. It is a smooth sphere. I am under the impression it is the ORIGINAL 10 year old part. No "special removal tool" will grab onto it (EG: Crow foot wrench).
How am I supposed to go about removing it (inner tie rod) from the steering rack without damaging anything? I have seen suggestions from scouring the internet. Some suggest you use a pipe wrench, others, a pair of channel-lock pliers. There is a very limited amount of room, though. Making everything very difficult!
Here are three images of how it looks currently (used a spotlight):
- 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 - DRIVER SIDE
Thank you to anyone who can help, in advance. It's heavily appreciated.
I am trying to replace the driver-side: inner tie rod boot, inner tie rod, and outer tie rod, on a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3.
I have successfully removed the outer tie rod, and the inner tie rod boot. Those weren't of much any difficulty.
The problem:
The ball-and-socket joint has no flat surfaces, no "hex" to grab, or anything else. It is a smooth sphere. I am under the impression it is the ORIGINAL 10 year old part. No "special removal tool" will grab onto it (EG: Crow foot wrench).
How am I supposed to go about removing it (inner tie rod) from the steering rack without damaging anything? I have seen suggestions from scouring the internet. Some suggest you use a pipe wrench, others, a pair of channel-lock pliers. There is a very limited amount of room, though. Making everything very difficult!
Here are three images of how it looks currently (used a spotlight):
- 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 - DRIVER SIDE
Thank you to anyone who can help, in advance. It's heavily appreciated.
