Chrysler Repair: inner tierod end 98 intrepid 2.7L, napa autoparts, tierod


Question
Thankyou again Wil. After I asked the first question, I began to start the job. I need my car to get to work so, even though the answer was extremely timely, I couldn't wait. Unfortunately I did not have the wheels off the ground, but, the job went relatively smoothly. So far. The problem is, and I'm not sure it is a problem, but, after I disconnected the inner tierod ends, I noticed the new bushing wasn't going to fit too easily, not at all actually, because I didn't have the tool you mentioned. Apparently though, they sell a "split" bushing package through Napa Autoparts or Canadian Tire. You simply put one half on one side of the tierod end and the other half on the otherside of the tierod end. So that helps.

The problem is my car was backed part way out of the garage so I would have room to work and when I finished for the day (I'm picking up the split bushing tomorrow morning) I had to move the car all the way into the garage so I could close the garage door. Needless to say, when I moved the car the steering wheel moved freely when I took it out of park and moved it ahead. Will that be a problem lining it up again? Or as long as I get the holes to line up with the inner tierod ends, will that be OK? The wheels don't look like they turned at all, just the steering wheel. Dumb move on my part, but that's why you're the expert and I'm not. :)

Thanks

Frank
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi Wil,

The bushing is gone out of the inner left tierod end. I have two questions. First of all just to let you know, I'm no mechanic but I can use a wrench and follow plain english directions. My first question is, do you need to have the car on stands to allieviate any pressure on the inner tierod? Also, how do you press the new bushing into the tierod? Are there any special tools? OK thats 3 questions.

Thanks in advance

Frank
-----Answer-----
Yes you should have the wheels off the ground.There is a special tool made by miller that we use to press those bushings in and out.They are made  of a very hard rubber so I can't imagine doing them without the tool.Getting the bolt off that goes through it is no walk in the park either.You will need to move the steering to one side to get the most working space.Then you will need a very shallow socket.Those bolts are about 2 1/2 inches long.You will also need to remove the cowl and the wiper bucket.Its not an easy job but I like doing them because they pay well.

Answer
Well leave it to those aftermarket guys.First they bring you the glue together cv boot and now this.When you first inquired you said just one bushing.I have always left 1 bolt in the rack for reasons you will soon find out.I would line every thing up and put 1 bolt in without the tie rod and go from there.the gear can only move so far and the tires can only go so far.So your steering wheel won't be upsidedown or anything.I would get it aligned thou.