can this be done without removing the rack from the vehicle? I need to replace my LH inner and it looks like the sub frame prevents you from getting a good grip with a wrench. are there flats on the rack itself? they don't show any in the manual.
[Rant on...]
Well today, I sucked it in and just did it. I have a 96 GXE that has a power rack. I peeled back the boot and to my surprise, there are no flats on the inner ball joint or the rack or any other place to put a wrench. I called the local Nissan dealer to ask them how to unscrew it and they did not know since it was standard procedure to sell a customer a rack assy when an inner tie rod end wore (why was I not surprised). They gave me a number of an aftermarket parts place and they in turn directed me to a mechanic at the local Firestone place.
He uses a "big pair of pliers" to unscrew them.
The correct tool it seems is a ... wait for it... curve jawed set of vice grips.
I cannot believe that Nissan designed this the way they did. I worked at a rice burner MC shop for 20 years and thought I had seen it all in convoluted service designs (and I've seen quite a few), but this takes the cake. Vice grips!!! :lame:
The manual racks at least have flats and a lock washer. Jeez
[Rant off...]
