Tips for removing spinning outer tie rod nut?

[Attrazi]

After 2 hours of trying everything I found on YouTube, I gave up and figured I'd ask on here.

While separating my outer tie rod from my lower control arm, the nut got caught up on some rust after 3/8th of an inch or so. Now when I try to tighten or losen the nut, the whole stud spins with it.

I've tried using a 10mm wrench on the end of the stud while loosening the nut, but it just ended up rounding off. I tried vice grips on. Then stud, but it still spun. Same thing with the vise grips on the boot. I tried using a pry bar the apply pressure to lock the stud in the tie rod end, but it still spins.

Right now it won't tighten or loosen and just spins on itself.

 

[mikeru]

Have you tried hammering the joint back into position to lock it in place? If that doesn't work you could try using a nut splitter or just cut it off with your cutting tool of choice. Sounds like you tried applying pressure so I won't suggest that method.

 

[GeauxinUp]

Probably would’ve been best to let it soak in some penetrating oil for a while, but we’re past that now that it’s spinning. Do you have enough room to get a sawzall blade between the nut and control arm?

 

[Attrazi]

Probably would’ve been best to let it soak in some penetrating oil for a while, but we’re past that now that it’s spinning. Do you have enough room to get a sawzall blade between the nut and control arm?

Yeah, I could definitely cut the stud as a last result. I was debating trying a nut splitter. Do you think the tie rod end is shot and will need to be changed since I can't get it to stop spinning even with pressure?

 

[alpinegreenneon]

There is usually a hex on the end of the tie rod stud. Use a small open end wrench to hold the hex on the stud while you turn the nut with another open end wrench.

 

[GeauxinUp]

Yeah, I could definitely cut the stud as a last result. I was debating trying a nut splitter. Do you think the tie rod end is shot and will need to be changed since I can't get it to stop spinning even with pressure?

Not necessarily, I just assumed you were replacing it. If you’re not replacing (or planning to anyways) the outer tie rod, trying to split the nut (without messing up the threads) is probably your best chance.

 

[mikeru]

Yeah, I could definitely cut the stud as a last result. I was debating trying a nut splitter. Do you think the tie rod end is shot and will need to be changed since I can't get it to stop spinning even with pressure?

Yes you’ll want to replace it. You might be able to use it in a pinch but why take the chance? It’s not like they’re a hard to find or expensive part.

 

[GeauxinUp]

There is usually a hex on the end of the tie rod stud. Use a small open end wrench to hold the hex on the stud while you turn the nut with another open end wrench.

He already stripped out the hex head

 

[Wild one]

Grinder with a cut off disc,you'll be all day using a sawzall to cut the stud.Next time wire wheel the rust off and turn the nut completely off before whacking the tierod loose,a little heat from a small propane torch on the nut doesn't hurt either