Am changing the inner tie rod on a 2000 cirrus with a 2.5 and cant figure out how to get old one off

One end of the tie rod is a left hand thread
make sure that you are turning it the right way

If the rack is 15 years old-- it is about worn out

Just change the rack & forget the ties rod R&R

Shock absorber

Might have to pull out, whole steering wheel assemply & column. NOt sure though

There are two tie rod ends on each side, an inner and an outer. Each one
requires a special tool to remove. When the new parts are installed, the vehicle must be aligned, which again requires special knowledge and tools. Unless you own an alignment rack, a lift, and all the special tools, you are not going to be able to do this yourself.

Yes degreaser will not hurt it. The outer tie rod is retained only by one nut that connects it to the inner tie rod.Once you have this loosen just turn the outer tie rod to the left to remove it from the inner tie rod.

CHECK OUT THE INNER TIE ROD TOOL FROM (KD TOOLS IT WILL WORK ON ALMOST ANY RACK&PINION SYSTEM OUT THERE)

The inner tie rods are screwed into ends of the steering rack assembly.

Look at this diagram. #6 is the rubber boots and #7 is the shaft from the inner tie rods.


http://www.anubiscycle.com/fixya/2000-windstar-steering-gear.jpg

Not that hard, just spray the tie rod sleeve with WD40 night before and let it soak in. Remove the collier pin and and nut and hammer the old inner tie rod end out of the Track rod with a 5 pound sledge hammer. Remove the inner tie rod end from the sleeve and don't forget to mark the distance so you can place the new tie rod end at the same length. Reinstall the inner tie rod end to the Track rod and tighten the nut and replace the collier pin with a new one. Grease the fitting and go for a test drive, if the truck does not wonder then your good to go with out a alignment. Good luck and hope this helps, Note, make sure you have to right inner tie rod ends. Each side has different thread rotations.

45 Ft-lbs Tie-rod balljoint stud-to-steering knuckle nut, and 55 Ft-lbs Tie-rod (outer)- to- inner jam lock nut