Can you or can you not replace the inner tie rod without removing the outer tie rod? Why or why not? I replaced the outer tie rods recently and didn't want to damage them taking them off. Also the harbor freight outer tie rod remover seems like it wont fit without damaging the boot since the tie rod outer is so new.
So I was thinking why can't I just spin the inner tie rod like you would do for an alignment until the inner and outer are separated? Then I should be able to rotate the hub out of the way and have room to remove the inner tie rod. Anyone know for sure? Thanks

Btw I did search I some people said no I cannot do this But no explanation why.

 

The outer attaches to the inner. The rod you screwed the outer tie rod on to is the inner tie rod. Can't replace the inner without removing the outer. I guess you could try to do what you suggested but I don't think you will get enough movement to be able to get the inner out of the rack. Can't hurt to try though I reckon. But since you recently replaced the outer it should be pretty simple to remove it from the knuckle compared to the old one.

 

thanks for the reply I was watching some videos about other cars and people wanting to reuse the outer tie rods. They said hitting the side of the part where the tie rod goes into , not hitting the actual tie rod. would pop out the tie rod. I guess there are reasons you might want to disconnect the tie rods for other suspension work.

 

Yeah just hit the steering knuckle on the side where the tie rod connects. Usually 2-3 swings with a mini sledge and they pop right off.

 

thanks thats what I was thinking Ill give it a shot

 

If you need to you can hit the tie rod balljoint threads as long as you have a nut on the end of them to protect em.

 

You should be able to just unwind the outers away from the inner, and then continue removing the inner from the rack.
Just did this exact thing on an older car, but the G35 steering is pretty much the same style of rack/tie rod.