What tool to turn tie rod adjusting sleeve?

[AirSpeed]

I need to adjust the tie rod adjusting sleeve on my 72 GMC 4X4, I tried a pipe wrench but it would only pinch the sleeve closed when I put pressure on it, I did get it to turn once by using a big flat screw driver in the split area but that sucked and took forever for one revolution, I need to turn it 2 or 3 more times. Any suggestions on the correct method?
Thanks! Aaron

[71swb4x4]

I always thought you turned the tie rod itself, but I could be wrong.

[Crazyz28]

I've always used channellocks at work, for those muddy/dirty/rusted ones I've just used a big screw driver. Vicegrips with a rounded grip head may work better too due to more gripping surface with the rounded grip.

[68gmsee]

I sprayed mine (rusty) with Liquid Wrench and let it soak in. Then vise grips worked for me too but had to slowly work it back and forth to loosen all that dirt and rust.

[beebster]

pipe wrench. LOL
seriously, just get a "bolt" the same size as the tie rod about 1/2 in. long.
turn the bolt into the adjusting sleeve til it bottoms out then the adjusting sleeve should start turning with it.

[AirSpeed]

Originally Posted by beebster

pipe wrench. LOL
seriously, just get a "bolt" the same size as the tie rod about 1/2 in. long.
turn the bolt into the adjusting sleeve til it bottoms out then the adjusting sleeve should start turning with it.

In order to put a bolt into the end of the tie rod adjusting sleeve I would have to pop the tie rod end out of the steering arm then remove the tie rod end from the sleeve, this would defeat the purpose wouldn't it? I am trying to adjust the tie rod ends, they have opposing threads so that when the sleeve is turned the tie rod assembly gets longer or shorter depending on the direction I turn it. I need to keep the assembly together in order to test it's position until I get the truck to steer equally as possible.

[AirSpeed]

The threads on the tie rods are very clean, like I said I tried a pipe wrench but I also tried channel locks, the problem with those is they squeeze the adjusting sleeve making it so tight against the threads that it won't turn, there must be a method that makes it easy.

[geezer#99]

If there's a bolt and nut on the end to tighten it down when your final adjustment is made use a box end wrench on the bolt to swivel it around. Worked for me.

[AirSpeed]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

If there's a bolt and nut on the end to tighten it down when your final adjustment is made use a box end wrench on the bolt to swivel it around. Worked for me.

I even tried that! It worked for about a half turn then just kept popping off. Maybe I should clarify the part I'm working on, it's the drag link that connects to the pitman arm and then the left spindle. I am a little apprehensive to experiment with the steering components, every time I work on them I freak myself out later second guessing myself that I tightened everything up! Thanks! Aaron

[AirSpeed]

This is the part I'm working on, it's assembled though.

[beebster]

Originally Posted by AirSpeed

In order to put a bolt into the end of the tie rod adjusting sleeve I would have to pop the tie rod end out of the steering arm then remove the tie rod end from the sleeve, this would defeat the purpose wouldn't it? I am trying to adjust the tie rod ends, they have opposing threads so that when the sleeve is turned the tie rod assembly gets longer or shorter depending on the direction I turn it. I need to keep the assembly together in order to test it's position until I get the truck to steer equally as possible.

Instead of pulling your hair out and fighting with it, you could have popped the tie rod out, removed it,handled your business w/ the adjusting sleeve and had it back together again. LOL

[AirSpeed]

Originally Posted by beebster

Instead of pulling your hair out and fighting with it, you could have popped the tie rod out, removed it,handled your business w/ the adjusting sleeve and had it back together again. LOL

Not really, I would have had to do that repeatedly until I got it centered, even if I popped the tie rod out I would still need to turn the adjusting sleeve, it would probably been even more of a pain with the end flopping around.

[leddzepp]

It might be cross threaded if the threads are clean and it is that difficult to turn.

[ERASER5]

I stick a screw driver in the slot and twist. There is a tool that will hook into the slot and connects to a ratchet. It works a bit like a crows foot. I prefer the screw driver method.

[68C15]

http://www.otctools.com/products/popular.php
the one on the bottom left is the one I use most.
check with local parts stores (NAPA), some may even have it in stock.

[LONGHAIR]

What you need is the Proper Tool for the job. Here is a picture for reference, but you should be able to get one locally. Try a NAPA store or a specialty tools store if you live in a big enough city.

It "Hooks" in the slot and actually pulls in the opposite direction of the crushing that happens with pipe wrenches or other gripping tools. You turn it with a ratchet or breaker-bar.

[68gmsee]

If it's clean and free of rust and grime and it's that difficult to turn, there's something else wrong with it. As someone suggested it may be cross threaded. I've never had a problem turning them with pliars or vise grips.

I'd suggest to take it to a shop to have them do it, but if there's something wrong with it, you still will have to come up with the bucks to fix it plus their labor costs.

As another post said, it's probably better to take it off and see what's wrong with it.

[71tahoe]

You say it's free of rust and crud. Are you trying to bring it closer together or adjust it apart? You may either be out of threads or the ends of the tie rod ends are jammed together. If you loosened the bolts on both ends of the sleeve it should turn.

[vasquezmrysvll]

i took a nut that just slid over the sleeve, cant remember the size? anyways, i centered the nut on the sleeve and stitched it on with my mig. now a guy can get a wrench on it when adjustments need to be made. you can buy similar ones...... but kinda pricey?

[90\87Formula]

Took me about two hours to find it.
Here's your proper tool. It's about 8" long. Don't remember where I got it, but I've had it for years.
Works great.

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by beebster

Instead of pulling your hair out and fighting with it, you could have popped the tie rod out, removed it,handled your business w/ the adjusting sleeve and had it back together again. LOL

I can guarantee that an alignment shop doesn't pop the tie rod out of the spindle or centerlink and turn it in or out and then put it back in. They turn the sleeve only... with the proper tool. Which has been shown above.

Gary

[AirSpeed]

Originally Posted by 90\87Formula

Took me about two hours to find it.
Here's your proper tool. It's about 8" long. Don't remember where I got it, but I've had it for years.
Works great.

Thanks! Sorry it took so long to find it! I guess it's not something you would use everyday! I am going to head to my shop and make one, looks pretty simple. Thanks again! Aaron