Dame83

So I have been having some clunking in my front end. I searched around and saw some things about sway bar end links/bushings. I checked my front end, took the tires off and looked at everything. Then I noticed this...pics below. Im not familiar with all the parts. Is this the tie rod ends? Both of them look like this. If it is how simple is the repair?

hawkeye18

Yup, them's the tie rod ends. Removal is pretty simple... undo that crown nut up at the top while putting a wrench on that top hex portion to keep the ball joint from spinning. Then, use a pickle fork, a hammer, and a rubber mallet to get it out. The rubber mallet is for whacking the side of the knuckle where the tie-rod goes in. It can help loosen it.

Make sure you count the number of turns it took to get the old tie-rod off (that big nut on the inside is actually a jam nut, "tighten" it to take its compression off the tie rod end itself); that number of turns is what sets your toe on that wheel. Make sure to install the new tie-rod end to the same number of turns. You can also use that jam nut to mark the location of the inside end of the tie rod.

Install is pretty much reverse of install, except a whole lot less hammer-swinging. Hopefully.

Shift

I have clunking at random times when I am stopped with my clutch out, but it goes away when I push my clutch back down. Same as what you experienced?

Dame83

I have the clunking going over any type of surface that's not flat....which is everywhere. I drive an automatic also. Clunk all day long

Nuke

There's also a TSB for front end clunk...

Dame83

Cool I will check out the TSB Nuke. Thanks for the write up Hawkeye, will be fixing in a few hours. Seems pretty simple.

wcgman

As a failsafe, you can measure from the inside end too or mark on the threads with a little paint. I've replaced them on a pickup before and they arent bad at all.

bakerjd

Looks like someone may be ordering a Steeda Bumpsteer kit

Dame83

I thought the bumbsteer kits were for lowered cars? My springs and all are still stock

Dame83

Just an update, I got the passenger side done but the driver side jam nut wont come off. I been tried with a wrench and vice grips, some banging too. Damn thing wont budge. Still hear the clunking on the passenger side anyways so I guess I will have to work my way around the suspension to see what else it could be.