*Stripped* Tie-rod end. Unfortunately can't edit my own thread title..

Long story short I was working on my 08 R56S installing the B12 eibach spring and bilstien shock set. Did the rears, plenty of stories to be told on that end, later, move to the front driver side. Now, I've JUST (like last week) replaced these tie-rods, brand new FEBI tie-rods from pelican (or ECS, I can't remember). I'm turning the bolt for what seems like forever. Then I get the appropriate sized allen key and make sure I'm not just spinning the whole thing. Then, in disbelief, I literally stare at one individual thread just above the nut as I rotate the wrench and after what should have been several turns it's gone no where. I try to tighten it to see if I get any movement at all. Nothing, in either direction, regardless of bolt retention with an allen key. Now I'm stumped and pissed. What gives?

and if it really is stripped WTF do I do now? Order another tie-rod? Damn it all this should have been fairly easy...


in lighter news, Geiselle's new ***-end feels great. Only really drove her home from the shop, but damn, could really tell a difference. The before-after height difference is about 3/4", it'll be interesting to see how much further the springs will settle.

 

My guess is that you need to replace the tie rod end again, and cut off the nut/stud from the stripped one. Maybe, if the nut has loosened any, you can get a putty knife or screwdriver under the nut to pry it up as you are turning it.

Is the stud loose in the knuckle?

Mike

 

Did you use a torque wrench when installing the tie rods or your did you just give it everything you had with your air impact? I'm surprised you could strip the tie rod nut. It's a fairly sizable nut/stud. Put a jack under the tie rod where it connects to the knuckle and try hitting it with an impact gun. The pressure from the jack should keep the tie rod from spinning while the impact knocks off the nut. If that doesn't work then IDK what to suggest next other than just cutting it off.

 

try some heat? tip...they guys at the local mini shop have found mini uses a couple different ones...so have the new one BEFORE you cut the old on off, or the car might be i immobile.

 

I didn't use an impact to take it off or put it on and when installing it I tightened it until it felt about right and there was no gap. To be honest I'm completely baffled, I too believe it should take a fairly incredible amount of force to strip it. Either way I'm at the stealership now getting it aligned, I was successful in getting the old shocks and Springs out and the new ones in without having to disconnect the tie rods. It was a PITA but I got it knocked out, thread and pictures to follow.

As far as the tie rod, I'm hoping the tech figures it out,