Has anyone repaced inner tie rods on a 1999 GP?
I have replaced both ball joints, driver side outer tie rod, both front wheel hub assy's, sway bar and sway bar links, now I need to change the passenger side inner tie rod. Can it be replaced while on the car or do you have to remove the steeering assembly? My Haynes book says nothing about the inner tie rod.

Thanks in advance.

You're confusing yourself. The car only has two tie rods. One on each side. But, each tie rod does have an outer tie rod end, and an inner tie rod end.

The inner tie rod ends require special tools to replace as they're deep inside the steering rack. Not something a shade tree mechanic will want to do lightly. With all the labor involved, I would just order a used rack from Ed Morad and go from there.

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2004 Impala LS - got some mods
NAIOA Moderator

Making you think twice before picking on Impalas

Yeah, I have the tool to pull off the inner tie rod ends and I can only say you dont want to attempt it without it. With it, its a piece of cake.

You can replace it on the car, you would need to disconnect the outer tie rode end and then remove the outter tie rod end form the inner tie rod and then use the special tool to undo the inner rod. You would also have to take off the boot that protects the inner tie rod connection and those use clamps like those on the CV joints. Putting a set back on will be no easy chore with the limited space, so when I did mine I just use regular worm gear clamps. You could probably get away with zip ties, but I wont say that for certain.

Its really simple if you have the tool to do it. The tie rod tool is nothing more than a super long deep socket. Mine has different bits I can use to accommodate different sized tie rod connections.

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Scotty Hall
Bartlesville, OK
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it.

The only limitation you will ever face in life is yourself!

here is the tool that you need:

Amazon.com: Lisle 45750 Inner Tie Rod Tool: Automotive

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Scotty Hall
Bartlesville, OK
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it.

The only limitation you will ever face in life is yourself!

it is a snap with the proper tool, and if you put a used rack on replace the inner tie rods always, to me ti's like using a used set of brakes of unknown origin not worth my life for a couple bucks (not to mention shop labor would be about the same as buying a rack)

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Steve
'97 GTP VS cam, ZZP PCM, and not much else yet

I have done the inner tie rods a couple times. And yeah, they are not hard to do. But they do require the correct tools. I just "rented" mine from the local Autozone store. I had to pay full price, took them home and used them, then they let you return them for full money back. Nice deal.

But Scotty has it right on. Everything I wanted to say and perfect!

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1997 GTP - 196xxx miles, PEMs, 3" SS Exhaust w/ Borla Mufflers, 3.4", 180* stat(summer), FWI, 1.84 RR, PT, SLP hood, KYB GR2s, GMPP Handling Kit, etc...

I have seen the tool, bear with me here a little, does this tool just remove the tie rod from the inner tie rod end or does it remove the tie rod end from the rack?

removes the inner from the rack

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Steve
'97 GTP VS cam, ZZP PCM, and not much else yet

Hey thanks. I went to Autozone and they showed me the inner tie rod and the replacement tool. I can now see what I dealing with. I think I'll replace it either Thur, or Fri.

Let us know how it goes. And again, be prepared with those clamps cause they may be a chore.

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Scotty Hall
Bartlesville, OK
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it.

The only limitation you will ever face in life is yourself!