Tighten tie rod nut?

[jboomer]

I changed my upper and lower ball joints on the driver side of my truck this weekend. However, upon reassembly, the tie rod bolt spins when I try to tighten the nut. I've tried supporting the tie rod with a jack stand, but apparently the bolt is internal to the tie rod and I can't seem to put enough pressure on the bolt to hold it still enough to tighten the bolt down. Am I missing something? Is the tie rod bad?

 

[broncnaz]

usually a jack under the end will work. you only need about 40 ft lbs on the nut.

 

[jboomer]

I can't spin more than 2 threads before the bolt spins. I tried resting the tie rod on a jackstand but couldn't seem to get enough pressure. I'll try again.

 

[broncnaz]

just use a jack to get more pressure on the area. Worst case maybe that tierod was loose and the taper is wallowed out and it might not tighten

 

[dave vh]

maybe the threads are messed up . try running the nut down without it being in.

 

[jboomer]

Got it! I ended up turning the wheel some to put side pressure on the bolt, then lowering it onto a jackstand. That gave plenty of pressure to allow me to tighten the bolt. Thanks!