Harbor freight (Pittsburgh) inner tie rod tool

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this turned out to be a decent tool and I just wanted to share!
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[@user-bp3we5tz1o]

my coworker bought one and about three days later i needed to use it on a toyota. it got the job done and i made 1.8 labor hours yesterday. i then bought one for $16 dollars today. the sizes arent great but it worked.

[@mowfer]

Great video! A teacher once told our class that a presentation should be like a woman's skirt......long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to keep it interesting ;-)

[@themechanic6117]

Never heard that before . 😁👍 that's cool lol. Thanks for watching.

[@mzolist]

Your teacher was a legend lol

[@gianskys]

Road Code.

[@pl5882]

The stop motion was cool. Good video. I think I’m going to get the tool with the 25% off today.

[@stevegladstone7846]

This is a really excellent video showing the use of this tool. The monologue was to the point and succinct. The bit of whimsy was a pleasant addition making the video all the more interesting. THANKS!

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@sgt.hollowpoint6968]

Awesome video. @1:59, I usually leave the nut on the bolt when I tap the stubborn bolt out. That way I don't have to re-insert the bolt and twist on the nut. Maybe it's not too important to others, or maybe it's not an issue. But I think it helps save the tread, especially if the bolt will be used again. I know tie rods, the entire rod is being replaced, nut and bolt too. Thank you for the video.

[@gregolas597]

This is a very well thought out, informative, and concise video with no bullshit. Bravo.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@flyboy2610]

I just bought one of these today. I'll be rebuilding the front suspension on the wife's '06 Trailblazer next weekend. I have the outer tie rods, the inners and new boots are on the way!

[@gustavomarchan3515]

The Force is strong with this one 💪

[@mattmgarza]

The stop motion was great. I have this tool and have used it a few times---works great.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@omens_slays]

I LOVE this tool. Absolutely can't live without it.

[@themechanic6117]

Its a nice tool to have

[@dannysautorepair]

Its a very good tool, I bought one today and it worked flawless

[@themechanic6117]

When it fits your cars it works well 👍

[@app4902]

The stop motion was super cool

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@TralfazConstruction]

Well done. Here is the best look at this great tool in-use on KZbin hands-down. Thank you.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@TralfazConstruction]

@@themechanic6117 I'm going to dive-in and rebuild the suspension on an '08 Yukon Denali XL including struts and shocks with the resistor bypass to the Autoride suspension. I last did something similar on a '93 Sierra 1500 pickup fifteen years ago. I'm just waiting for it to get cold and for the parts and this tool to arrive. Best wishes and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@VFizz]

Excellent Vid Sir!! I especially appreciate the close up shot of sliding the 17mm adapter into place. I ordered same tool from Harbor Freight and as soon as I receive it I will replace tie rods on my 2012 Civic. Thanks!

[@themechanic6117]

Nice! Hopefully it works out for you

[@abfisher20]

One of the best tool review that I have seen on KZbin. Nice done!

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you. I Appreciate the comment

[@kttangos2871]

Renting it plus a balljoint press since i would probably only use it twice in my life👍👍👍

[@iamjamesonbliss]

And this is why I LOVE KZbin. Great job on the review and video style!

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you. I appreciate the comment

[@scothunter3221]

I just changed the inner tie rods on my 2012 4x4 ram pick up, 4X4, and tried to use this tool. However none of the inserts were big enough. Still I was able to file out the biggest one and get it to fit but even then the tool would not work even with a air gun. Whoever last serviced this truck, I bought it used, had over-torques these and only a pipe wrench and a sledgehammer finally broke them free. To boot, they apparently put red thread locker on the alignment locking nut and I could never get that loosened until I had the whole tie rod removed. Regardless, for the price it seems well-made and I would certainly try it again on another vehicle. Good video.

[@themechanic6117]

Glad you got it done. The tools works well when things are right. In your case where someone put red thread locker , that's unfortunate

[@Veemteem]

Alot of new inner tie rods come with loctite to use. I think its for safety

[@scothunter3221]

@@Veemteem yes, but usually blue, not red. Red is the “permanent“ one that in theory you can only loosen by using heat. \

[@manglermalachi8080]

Thanks for the tool review! Great job on the video too. I appreciate the time lapse photography, it was a great special effect. You have a lot going for you. Keep up the good work!

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you for the great comment! 👍😊

[@ColdWarVet607]

Good job and I like the spooky moving ghost adapters, plus the little man in the background.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you. That was my son playing in the garage lol

[@Dhi-fe5eu]

Doing the inner/outer rods this weekend on a 2012 Ford Focus. Great tip turning the wheel in order to get to the inner rod easier. Thx

[@themechanic6117]

Good luck

[@perniciousprogressive8333]

Many thanks! Been fighting a Gen 2 Prius all day that someone rounded the lock nut off on the outer tie rod, so decided to pull the whole assembly. Of course the inner is frozen just as tight, and I had a 3/8"drive clamp on tool, but it was useless (except for snapping extensions). Gonna pick one of these up first thing tomorrow.

[@themechanic6117]

This is the best tool I've found for inner tie rods. As long as it fits its golden. Doesn't fit some cars. I'd recommend using 1/2 drive. 3/8 will keep breaking kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX3MlZKMrrycfJI

[@spelunkerd]

Winner video. I like the way you discussed alternatives, especially the option in some cars to do this with hand tools. Looks like a thin set of gooseneck pliers might fit in there, though it would be hard to achieve the adequate torque to overcome red locktite.

[@themechanic6117]

When it comes to inner tie rods one tool isnt enough. Ive learned this the hard way lol

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

I made a photo-slideshow of using one of these. I used jack stand, to prop up the end. Huge leverage, no loss to deflection, if holding by hand. All of the rotational torque is applied.

[@PetarBozic]

I really like the stop-motion you've done here! Awesome! Informative video too, so that's great!

[@themechanic6117]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching

[@riddempestcontrol8601]

Subbed for the stop motion

[@Afrojuan]

You had me at the stop motion bro and the choice of music. And thanks for the assist with the video. Need this tool to finish my car repair. This video also has a bit of a FLCL vibe to it.

[@j.christ8786]

On my car (2001 Nissan Maxima) the flats on my tie rod (both OEM and replacement) were very slightly smaller than the 1 3/16" adapter, so using the locking mechanism to hold the adapter firmly in line with the tool really helped to do the job

[@rodneymorris6971]

Inner Tie Rod Removal kit is 40$ still. I bought it after the "Master" OEM from the auto store didn't fit. I have the clip on my Accord and wasnt sure if I could rip it off or not but I'm glad you pointed it out because tbh I couldn't figure out why the 17mm adapter didn't fit. I removed everything else no problem but the inner was all issues. And I've gone through 20ish videos and forums looking for answers. Pointing the clip out is worth a sub I think.

[@themechanic6117]

Glad you got it sorted out 👍

[@edgarbyon4944]

I just used one on my 2007 toyota camry. I worked great. I am glad i bought it!

[@themechanic6117]

Great! The the price you can't beat it 👍

[@deepthoughtdeepbreath2383]

Bro! Your video brought me back to the days of Gumby and Pokey and then also to the days of eureeka's Castle. Stop animation I love it. I honestly wish they would bring it back a little bit. On top of all of that your video was very informative I am now going to Harbor Freight to buy the tool and I also know how to use it.

[@themechanic6117]

Ahhh the good old days 😁👍 it's tedious work but the I enjoyed making the video. Thanks for watching 👍

[@dannysautorepair]

@@themechanic6117 will this work on a 05 civic lx inner tie rod

[@sonnynguyen8012]

What a great video, everyone can watch how the HF tool works with the tie rod inner. Thank you so much.

[@sonnynguyen8012]

Do we need the alignment wheels after installing the tie rod? Please let me know. Thank you.

[@themechanic6117]

Yes you should get an alignment after tie rods get changed

[@matolittleelkwells5377]

I bought this tool on sale for itc at $25.99 and I have been more than happy with it let's face it most of these tie rod tools do the exact same thing so buying one for the best price is a must

[@themechanic6117]

Definitely a tool worth having and i can agree with your statement. Some companies just offer more size attachments than others

[@matolittleelkwells5377]

@@themechanic6117 I'm curious if those other fittings fit the hf tie rod tool cause I'm sure you can buy them cheaper on eBay than on the snapon or matco truck

[@themechanic6117]

I have the HF tool and the same tool by OEM, the adapters are not interchangeable without modifying

[@matolittleelkwells5377]

@@themechanic6117 a little grinding modification or something more serious

[@themechanic6117]

The problem is if you modify them to fit the othe brand then they no longer fit the the tube that was supplied with the adapters

[@elcomandante9299]

Great informative no nonsense video. Two 👍👍 straight up n down.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you for watching

[@MrRush240]

When u di that hand thing and tire went off , that's high level skill right tgere

[@themechanic6117]

Years of practice

[@MrRush240]

@@themechanic6117 understood sensei.

[@FM-sm8ei]

Thanks I'm going to have to get my tie rod replacement done but they want $1500 to get it done looks like I'm going to save $1300 to do it myself I appreciate guys like you

[@themechanic6117]

$1500 for tie rods?? I charge $150 to do all 4 🤣 on most cars

[@traceykelly2603]

Best video on this topic.😊

[@The-Westcoast-Wanderer]

Awesome video bro, nice demonstration and funny stop motion. I like your video editing skills for sure

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you ! 👍💪

[@ITSTIMETOSTOP]

That stop motion was on point boi

[@themechanic6117]

+Ants In My Eyes Johnson thanks !! 👌💪

[@ryanlucke88]

Yo, loved the editing! Great description of the job and tools used and fave tools!

[@gianskys]

Gonna try this out, they didn't have it at AutoZone near me....should have tried advance but I was fustrated blaring the Plumbers tongue. Wanted to get my wheel straight before it goes to mechanic for Timing Belt and Valve Clearance and pray it doesn't need a head gasket. thks for the Smiles Cloud Kicka.

[@infusedpower]

great camera work clear shots plenty of light

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you 💪

[@60bazzle]

Outstanding video.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@kristopherhill2740]

I was looking to buy this tool and it lead me to your video. Awesome review and i love all the small animations in it. Subscribed for sure. Keep the good videos coming.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you 👍👍

[@kristopherhill2740]

Thank you and keep at it dude. Also glad to see people bringing there kids out and showing them the way.

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks I appreciate it. I'm waiting for my kids to get a little older to really start teaching them 👍

[@kristopherhill2740]

Its never to early. When my daughter was 3 she would hand me the tools and had a 85% accuracy for the right tool. Still awesome either way.

[@themechanic6117]

That's cool. I plan on trying to get them into the garage this summer

[@michaelburrows9219]

Just bought it a couple weeks ago. Works well.

[@themechanic6117]

Michael Burrows it sure does, thanks for watching.

[@pablogomez7519]

Im thinking of getting one. Would an impct gun work on it or stick to a ratchet and breaker?

[@mwa1252]

Good video thanks. I have this tool and gonna give it a try on my Ford Explorer. ( I saw the boss walk by checking up on you at about 3:50)

[@themechanic6117]

😂 yeah they're always lurking

[@rbarr1200]

Heck yeah. Great video. Excellent editing

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@rogeliovega2862]

Very good job brother.

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching

[@jackwoods2891]

It worked on my ranger yesterday. New tie rods!!

[@themechanic6117]

Nice! Getting done yourself is a good feeling 💪don't forget about the wheel alignment

[@thenite187]

Thanks for taking the time. It really does clear up some questions about investing in another Harbor Freight tool. Also,,,, Thanks for the reminder about using the 20% off coupon. Right now this tool is $39.00 +tax - 20% is 31.20 +tax. It seems well worth the investment. - any help in grabbing some a comfortable distance for working under the vehicle is extremely appreciated.

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it. The coupon is a must, it does have every adapter you'll need for various cars but if it has the one for your car you're golden. I have a review of a more affordable option for doing inner tie rods. That tool I use more often and works great

[@lunchboxjoeb]

liked the video as soon as the stop motion started lol good vid my guy

[@TheOutwiththeold]

And the nice thing about it is, if you need more Crowfoot wrenches, lisle sells them,and they will fit in that same tool i e 29 mm Lisle will work .

[@themechanic6117]

Nice to know

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

Awesome video! Thank you!!

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching

[@joshpelham8745]

Thanks for the video🤘🔥. 98 Jetta GLX rebuild self taught :)

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching

[@henloy]

Just bought one. Worked on my 97 Honda CRV.

[@themechanic6117]

Nice. I've found some cars it doesn't work on but it's nice if it fits your personal car👍

[@bobsmith674]

Thanks. Very well done. Short and to the point. Not a lot of time wasting jibber jabber like some youtube videos. Looks like the tool would make a great billy club too.

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks! Yeah you can do some damage with it 😂

[@blindabinda1234]

The animated tool movement reminded me of Gumby

[@themechanic6117]

Definitely lol

[@darickmonegro6358]

Nice thank you for the video!! You've got yourself a new subscriber 😁

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you. I appreciate it

[@robswrenches9501]

Nice motion stop editing! I have one of these. When you consider buying one, check to make sure that the crowsfeet will fit and LOCK into the adapter properly. The first one that I bought did not, so I had to return and replace it.

[@themechanic6117]

+Rob's Wrenches thank you, definitely a lot of work. thanks for the tip ! Harbor freight is so far away from me that I would rather grind the crowsfeet to make them fit before driving back to HF lol.

[@loveofchrist5808]

I’m a new subscriber and thank you very much for going into detail on how to use that tool. I am from the old school I’m 60 years old and back in my day we did not have the specialty tools that are coming out every day nowadays you know what I mean I know that was kind of confusing ha ha ha ha but thank you so much sir I appreciate the video looking forward to many more videos you put out and I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to bring you lots of love peace prosperity for you your family and all your friends. Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the season is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so repent and accept our Lord and Savior into your heart so you can be saved because we are living in the end times. ✝️✝️✝️🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@pt7904]

You can save even more money by renting this tool from O'Reilly Auto Parts. In other words, free if you return it.

[@johncaudell1618]

Yes it’s very convenient to rent it but if you do this work a lot for other people then Yourself for side work then it’s really nice to own the tool and have it on hand whenever you’ll need it.

[@potardo9851]

I find it better to buy the cheaper tool considering it can take a month to get your deposit back from the rental tool after returning due to how O'reilly's return process goes.

[@HbEthan.]

Also the the rental is 100$ too. so buy the 40$ wrather than deal with the o reilly's return process

[@OctogonOxygen024816]

@@johncaudell1618 I use it more than 5 times then I'll buy it

[@rosalinaperaza4956]

El precio son 40 dollar por la herramienta in harbor free

[@mlez7197]

like your video...that was fun to wach

[@jwilli850]

Great video…straight to the point

[@condor5635]

Great tool but as with most of these videos no one seem to address holding the rack shaft while removing the ITR. If you see at 3:56 there are clearly shoulders on the rack shaft where a ~26-30mm narrow open end wrench is meant to go. This holds the rack in place while the large amount of torque is applied to the ITR. Doing it like you did although works totally disregards this. Those shoulders are put there for a reason so not using a second wrench may end up damaging the internals if the rack and that would really screw up your day. Other than that key point great video.

[@artsnow8872]

My thoughts, exactly; but, the tool MAY cover that area when it is fully installed. With as much torque as some may require, it is safer for the internals to use a wrench to hold the shaft, if possible.

[@dalemihocik4732]

Great demonstration !!!! I know people like the free loaner tool program at parts stores but beware . Those tools are often beat to heck. I.E. a 36mm clutch fan wrench can be closer to 40mm than 36mm. Save the frustration and buy good tools at a decent price when you can. Your lucky to have such a handsome son.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you! And you're correct about those loaner tools being beat up!

[@danny117hd]

Nice production 👍

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

I just rented one from Advance Auto. This was before I ended up changing the entire rack & pinion. That OEM inner rod was stuck bad!

[@RootsMusic-ek5nc]

3:50 I see the head mechanic walking by....

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

You're editing is just incredible. Thanks for the tip for the tool!

[@themechanic6117]

DE Nichols thank you,I appreciate you watching. 👍

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Hey. No problem. I'm discovering all kinds of talent hoping for the subscription support in return. Steve Rob sent me. :)

[@jamesstoyer4719]

good video, bro! I got the rent a tool from auto zone but this is pretty basic on showing me how to use the tool. thanks!

[@themechanic6117]

You're welcome.thanks for watching

[@TheDickMan_]

Someone give this man a kiss.

[@TheDickMan_]

JackMcHawk hi Jack

[@TheDickMan_]

JackMcHawk ummmm... I might need help

[@tybikerman]

Thanks great video!!

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching

[@sampratt5435]

Nice job! Liked how your son is in the mix, mine like to get in and help too!

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you 👍 he's not much of a help at his age lol

[@jeanjacque1577]

I rented 1 yesterday and didnt even use it or need it, a pipe wrench works great

[@2pacnasgame]

Good video

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@dalehess6265]

Awesome thanks

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching

[@job38four10]

Good info video, thanks for sharing.....

[@iruleyounow]

Just used this tool on an 06 Tacoma 4x4. The inner tie rods are just too beefy to fit into the tool with the adapter. I was able to get them off using an adjustable wrench.

[@themechanic6117]

Yeah unfortunately it dorsnt work for every inner tie rod. I have two other videos on inner tie rod tools

[@DavidMartinez-fy4nl]

nice video

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you

[@willpage79]

Not only it works its cheap

[@mjpete5464]

Nice review. Thanks it was very informative. I might have to get one of these.

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

thanks

[@mistikajimenez6348]

Great job thanks for sharing

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching

[@bbstacker70]

Well done. Used a torque wrench...good for you.

[@fn4409]

Thanks for the information brother👍

[@themechanic6117]

Thanks for watching

[@lequang2296]

Great clip Good instructions

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you, thanks for watching.

[@natefidalgo7625]

How often do you uses just the pliers or how often can you get the pliers up in there vs having to use the inner tie rod tool? Can you do most cars with a adjustable plumbers wrench. Basically i see how it all goes its all about the c-clip grabbing the back of the inner tie rod so you can get the thread part unscrewed thats before the ball in the inner tie rod. So if you where to always beable to get that wrench around the back of the inner tie rod you wouldn't really need the tool. But you would need the tool to torque to spec's a new inner tie rod on. So its a pretty useful tool.

[@themechanic6117]

I got used to using the pliers when I worked at a shop since the car would be up on a lift. Now that I work work jack stands out my garage it's almost impossible to use the plier method. My new favorite inner tie rod tool is an inexpensive tool I got off eBay. I have a video reviewing it.

[@jeffreyhanson2624]

I just picked it up on clearance for $16 at Harbor freight

[@themechanic6117]

Pretty good deal

[@SteveRobReviews]

I think I have one somewhere :) took a lot of time to produce a high quality vid like the. Nice one buddy.

[@themechanic6117]

+STEVE ROB REVIEWS thanks Steve ! The stop motion takes up the most time but it's worth it .

[@wyattoneable]

The review was solid, the video was outstanding but the editing was out of control! Hey, I got your sticker, Thanks. Your's is on the way.

[@themechanic6117]

wyattoneable thanks ,really appreciate it. Nice, I'm glad you received my sticker 👍

[@incognito8386]

I just picked this up on clearance for 17bucks. I haven't needed it yet. But for $17.00, I couldn't pass it up.

[@rogersrailroadproductions9185]

GREAT

[@TorryGood]

Im surprise yours came out easy. When i did mine on my 99 ford escort it was being a bitch, had to use propane torch and impact driver to get it off.

[@themechanic6117]

Yeah they can be like that sometimes

[@Mike_44]

It seems loosening/torquing the inner tie rod without holding the Rack & Pinion inner connecting point would put a lot of stress to the inner part of the rack, no? This tool is great but one has to find away to prevent putting stress on the R&P.. just my opinion anyways..

[@Dhi-fe5eu]

Question: my 2012 focus says the locking nut between the inner and outer should be torqued at 66lbs. How is that possible. Must mean just make sure it’s tight. Any help will help lower my stress level.

[@themechanic6117]

Just tighten it the best you can with a wrench and it'll be fine. There's a tool for torquing nuts like that but its expensive.i dont even own one

[@tattoochef]

Can you use an impact with the tie rod tool for removal or will that put too much stress on the rack?

[@themechanic6117]

Technically you can but its not made for that and will wear out your tool quickly

[@Extraxt97]

Does this work for a 2023 Honda ridgeline

[@slappychap969]

great video. I'm going to invest in one before they become some Fancy brand name and end up $120

[@ernestogarcia8014]

Don’t you have to hold the shaft in place bc the stress of turning it can damage it? Working on a 96 tacoma

[@themechanic6117]

No. It'll be fine. I've done many tie rods and never had or heard of a issue like that

[@carlito3094]

Nice job... reviewing the tool What made you remove the inner tie rod ? just comparing my problem , at accelerating goes to my left

[@themechanic6117]

Tie rod was worn out. Check your car for loose tie rods or ball joints

[@yellamamba4554]

Didn't work out on my honda element... the bar was way oversize to get the inner tie rod.

[@themechanic6117]

I've also come across some cars where it doesn't work. You'll have to use a different method

[@yellamamba4554]

Hey did some research and found a solution!

[@themechanic6117]

Check out my latest video. It's a new inner tie rod tool that works very well !