Inner Tie Rod Removal Tool, 8 Wrench Flats Design Compatible?

[YoshiMoshi3]

2020 Honda Accord. Looking at possibly replacing the inner tie rods. The service information says to lower the front subframe. I thought this was a bit insane. However, looking at the actual part, it is not the typical setup. These inner tie rods have 8 wrench flats, as opposed to the typical 2 wrench flat design.

So a tool with only two wrench flats (like an open end on a box end wrench) that you put in a long pipe like the tool below, won't work in this design.

Looks like a tool like above, except supporting the 8 wrench flat design, does not exist? If it did, you could easily replace the inner tie rods without removing the front lower subframe. Seems like lowering the front subframe would allow you to vertically above or below the wrench flats with a normal open end wrench, allowing you to remove it.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I use a piece of schedule 40 pipe with 5/16” bolts tapped through holes near the end. Pipe is slid over tie rod and the bolts snugged against the flats. The pipe protrudes from under the car enough to support it on a jack stand while a pipe wrench is used to turn it. I made it as a get by tool but it has worked well enough on several cars that I keep using it. Instead of tapping holes, several nuts could be welded over drilled holes.

 

[Cheep]

I have one at work that slips over the tie rod and has a housing with "sprag" type pieces that will grip the inner socket. I don't remember the brand name but it works well.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

Would something like the Mayhew 29912 tool work?

 

[nicks78camaro]

Would something like the Mayhew 29912 tool work?

This is the best tool for inners on typical cars.

 

[drokihazan]

Knipex 87-01-580 XXL Cobras really don't care how many flats it has, or if it has flats at all. If it can turn, they'll turn it.

That being said, I have the Lisle tool and used it all of once on a pair of tie rods I wasn't replacing. I should have bought the Harbor Freight knockoff one. If it was my own vehicle I'd have used Cobras, it's just some gonna have scratches when you're done.

 

[nicks78camaro]

On many modern cars you cannot access the inner tie rods with pliers or a wrench and must use a tubular tool of some sort. Even the ones that look like an exhaust clamp with a square drive often don't fit or constantly need repositioned.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

On many modern cars you cannot access the inner tie rods with pliers or a wrench and must use a tubular tool of some sort. Even the ones that look like an exhaust clamp with a square drive often don't fit or constantly need repositioned.

So the Mayhew tool will work on the 8 flat design? I have only removed inner tie rods with a two flat design. Are there other inner tie rod designs with a different number of flats than 2 and 8?

 

[nicks78camaro]

So the Mayhew tool will work on the 8 flat design? I have only removed inner tie rods with a two flat design. Are there other inner tie rod designs with a different number of flats than 2 and 8?

It works on all modern car inner tie rods. Some are even round and it grips them.

 

[OccupantRJ]

If this is for an infrequent use you might also consider the loan a tool program at the chain auto parts stores. As the old farmer said “why own and feed the cow if you can get milk for free”.