Rack and Pinion

[Fierofool]

Does anyone know if the tie rods are the same, left and right, on the Fiero.  I can't find a listing anywhere that states which side they fit.  The Fiero Store lists a complete kit but I can't tell by the picture. 

Second question.  Does anyone have the special tool for replacing the tie rod without removing the rack from the car? 

[Raydar]

Inner or outer?
All I've ever replaced on mine are outers. Yes they were the same, left to right.

[GTRS Fiero]

A pickle fork?

[Fierofool]

The pickle fork is to separate the outer tie rod end.  There is a long tubular device that slides over the tie rod and unscrews the inner tie rod end from inside the rack. 

[MikeMac]

Advance used to rent the tool to unscrew the inner tie rods. Its been a couple of years since I rented it.

[MikeMac]

I think Auto Zone is closer to you..

https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/loaner-inner-tie-rod-end-tool

[scottb]

Its a given that I am not the best mek-a-nik in the world, but when I changed mine I pulled the boot off and used a big-azz crescent wrench. No special tools required

[GTRS Fiero]

I'm no me-can-ik, either, but not a pipe wrench, or a monkey wrench?

[scottb]

no pipe wrench or monkey wrench needed, there are wrench flats under the boot

[Fierofool]

Scott and Mike replaced the left inner tie rod for me last weekend and they tightened the right front wheel bearing, but the popping noise didn't go away.

Today, I took it to Firestone for a realignment and asked them to check the right side front and rear suspension for anything worn or broken.  They found that the popping was coming from the lower front balljoint and the upper ball joint is worn, but not seriously. 

Scott is facing eviction by Leigh-Ann if he doesn't get their master bedroom remodeled, so is there anyone capable and willing to replace my two right front ball joints?  I need to get it done before the meeting and RFTH. 

[montegut]

HF has an inner tie rod tool for $37.00.

[GTRS Fiero]

I want to put this by itself, so it doesn't get lost in the rest of the paragraph.

...is there anyone capable and willing to replace [Fierofool's] two right front ball joints?  [He needs] to get it done before the meeting and RFTH.

[Fierofool]

Montegut, I rented one at AutoZone.  Brand new in the case with the plastic wrapper still on it.  I returned it in exactly that same condition.  Never opened it.  On the left side, the sway bar is in the way for a straight fit onto the tie rod.  Scott accomplished the job with  a pipe wrench, channel locks, and I think also a Crescent Wrench. 

Thanks Michael, for the thought, but I'm pulling the request. 

[GTRS Fiero]

What will you do?  Did Scott handle this for you?

[Fierofool]

No.  I'll just take my chances.  Firestone won't install Rodney's ball joints.  They want too much for theirs, plus installation.  Over $200.  Well over.