Tie Rod installation instructions

[H3 Hummer]

I purchased a new Tie Rod for my H3 and will throw it in my recovery box. Does anyone have instructions or informaiton on how to replace this part? The outer one.

[PARAGON]

Do H3s have rack and pinion?

If so, I wonder if it will cut down on the probably of tie rod bends.

Anyway, replacement of the outer tie rod should be pretty self explanatory once you got under there. You might would want to invest about $10 in a universal puller so it would be easier to pull the tie rod from the steering knuckle.

Other than that, I would guess there is a retainer bolt where it connects to the knuckle and then you would use a crescent or something to loosen the jam nut at the other end and twist it out of from the connector.

[PARAGON]

By the way, I have no idea and stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Maybe one of the techs or someone that has done it on a H3 can pipe up.

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by PARAGON:
Do H3s have rack and pinion?

If so, I wonder if it will cut down on the probably of tie rod bends.

Anyway, replacement of the outer tie rod should be pretty self explanatory once you got under there. You might would want to invest about $10 in a universal puller so it would be easier to pull the tie rod from the steering knuckle.

Other than that, I would guess there is a retainer bolt where it connects to the knuckle and then you would use a crescent or something to loosen the jam nut at the other end and twist it out of from the connector.

Sounds good. But here is an actual step-by-step for those who have never done one.

Remove the outer tie rod nut where the rod goes into the front of the knuckle.
Using a two-jaw puller, remove the rod from the knuckle. (For an emergency situation, you can wedge it out, but the seal will most likely be damaged. But better than walking.)
Loosen the jam nut on the tie rod and remove the outer tie rod.
When installing, good idea to lubricate the tie rod where it goes into the inner tie rod.
Tighten the jam nut. (They recommend using a new jam nut).
Insert tie rod into knuckle. Recommended torque on the nut is 44 N.m (33 –lb. ft) with an additional 95 degrees after torque. This probably sets the nut up to around 100 -125 N.m but not sure.
Don’t forget to do a toe adjustment. Just view your tracks in the desert and adjust accordingly.

[H3 Hummer]

Using a two-jaw puller, remove the rod from the knuckle.

Should I be able to go and ask for this tool at any regular auto store? Or is this some fancy special tool?

Thanks for the info. One more thing, are both left and right tie rods the same part?

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by H3 Hummer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Using a two-jaw puller, remove the rod from the knuckle.

Should I be able to go and ask for this tool at any regular auto store? Or is this some fancy special tool?

Thanks for the info. One more thing, are both left and right tie rods the same part? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Any auto parts store should have one in stock.

[f5fstop]

First, right/left tie rods are the same: 15132759. New jam nut is: 15132755.

Now, sometimes we all have brain farts, and I had one earlier.
If the tie rod is being replaced due to damage, just pry the sucker out of the knuckle. The new tie rod comes with a new seal. So, who cares if old seal gets destroyed. Only time you would need the tool is if you were just removing it and replacing the same tie road (for example, hub or knuckle replacement).

[PARAGON]

Puller might make it easier and they are something good to have in the toolbox. Could save you beating around under there.

[f5fstop]

True a puller would make it a bit easier, but if none was available...big pry bar.

[ETD]

Amateur question: Function of tie rod (looks like a load-bearing or distributing element)? In what situation would it break (or during which part of surmounting an obstacle is it most vulnerable)? Thanks.

[f5fstop]

Hint: outer tie rods connect to the inner tie rods, and the innner tie rods connect to the steering gear.
When you turn the steering wheel, the gear (with hydraulic assist) moves the tie rod on the side you are turning toward out to push the wheel out. The other side is turned in.

[ETD]

Ahhh Sooo.
So are people just snapping them by impact with rocks and such or are they turning the steering wheel too hard? If it is the former, why don't the engineers encase them in something more protective. If it's the latter, I guess I'll have to remember not to "over-steer".

[H3 Hummer]

So are people just snapping them by impact with rocks and such or are they turning the steering wheel too hard? If it is the former, why don't the engineers encase them in something more protective. If it's the latter, I guess I'll have to remember not to "over-steer".

It's not from over steering - they possibly break from off roading and I don't think they break because a rock actually hits the metal I think it breaks because drivers come down to hard on rocks (at the wheel) and something gives or breaks. So to answer your question you could protect the rod but coming down hard on rocks can't be protected from a wheel. The only real protection is not to go offroading or be a very skilled (lucky) off roader or have heavy duty tie rods like many H2 owners have.


This is not to say that off roading will break these but for $85.00 it is cheap insurance just in case you are in the middle of no where.

[Desert Dan]

Does anybody make heavy duty tie rods for the H3 yet??

[H3 Hummer]

Does anybody make heavy duty tie rods for the H3 yet??

I looked but didn't find any. I think the tie rods are more of an issue on the H2's opposed to the H3's. Maybe f5fstop has some statistics on broken tie rod replacements. H2 and H3's.

[f5fstop]

The outers are pretty robust, more so than the inners. I have not seen or heard of a problem with the outers breaking. Then again, if broken while slamming down on a rock, chances are the person replaces the tie rod and heads to the alignment shop.
As Hummer H3 says, if you are going on an extreme off-road trip, take an extra one with you. Very easy to replace, and the alignment can wait till you get to civilization.