[type954]

need the hook spanner to remove old tie rod and the open end wrench to install new tie rod. install is on 911 suspension on a 914.

pelican parts has a tool listed for the install (for about $40) but it says it has a 46mm hook spanner on one end and a 32mm open end wrench on the other. i looked in the 914 workshop manual and it says it needs a 42mm hook spanner and i measured the new tie rod and measured 28mm so i guess i need some info and benefit of someones experience.

TIA, jim mcleod

[targa911man]

What you want is a hub wrench available from any bike shop for about $10. Not sure about the size but you can probably find it by doing a search on Pelican. Somebody may have listed it on this board too. Maybe even me. If you can't find it I can look at mine when I get home.
It's the same one you use to hold the the fan on the Carrera and I think the SC engines.

[Jim Richards]

I have one you can borrow Jim. A large pair of channel locks will come in handy for this project.

[targa911man]

Jim--

You may already know this, but the large round brass piece that the old boot attaches to is actually a locknut. Jim R. can verify that you will save yourself about an hour of extra work and creative language if you loosen it before trying to "simply unscrew" (per 101 Projects) the old tie rod.

[type954]

wow, thanks for the quick replies! re: the fan tool; i tried the one from my SC tool kit but it didn't fit.

jim R: may i borrow your tool? (wait a minute) i mean, can i borrow your tie rod tool? are you going to either the tech inspection or the 356 gathering at reston tomorrow? we could meet at one of these. does the tool have the open end that fits the turbo tie rod end? or, how did you install the TTR to the rack end?

[type954]

just came back from visiting 2 local bike shops. both carry a real thin 32mm wrench that fits the turbo tie rod for installing. i guess i measured 28/100ths of an inch instead of 28mm on the caliper so that is wrong, 32mm fits. i did find what might work as the "hooked spanner" to remove the old tie rod. one shop had a 46mm tool, not "half" but about 3/4 around with little tabs, about 6 along the inside perimeter of the tool.

dan, give me a little instruction about loosening the lock-nut on the old tie rod that you mentioned. what is the trick?

[targa911man]

That is what the hooked spanner or hub wrench is for. You take the boot off and there are notches in the circular brass nut that the tooth on the hub wrench catches. I think this is the wrench Jim is talking about lending you. Once you get the boot off it is real obvious. Even a virgin could figure it out. You're not going to be reusing the brass pieces, so you can also use channel locks to loosen them.

[type954]

ok, i was already under there and it looked like one would just unscrew the nut but i was wondering if there was some trick. actually, the PO or the PO's wrench left the brass piece but installed a turbo tie rod kit. i have the big washers/spacers for the correct install. just need a tool... oh, that joke again... car is still up on jack stands.

[type954]

thanks to jim richards for the use of the tool. install is complete and waiting to contact a shop for an alignment...

[Charlie Stylianos]

Dont forget to Loctite on the ends that go into the rack....!!