Dealing with a long queue for replacing inner tie-rods can be frustrating. What if, you have found the best inner tie rod tool and remove it yourself without waiting and no charge! Wouldn’t that be great? If so, you are just in the right place.
With the help of our expert mechanics, we have managed to round up the inner tie rod tool reviews for your easy reference. You will also find a buying guide at the end if you are completely new to this. So without further ado let’s jump right into it.
Contents
Top 7 Inner Tie Rod Removal and Installation Tools
- Best Master Set: Lisle 46800
- Runner Up Master Set: OEM Tools 27178
- Best Universal: Mayhew Pro 29910
- Best Value: Astro 78806
- Best Low Profile: ABN Low Profile
- Best Budget: GoPlus Tool
- Also Great: Cal-Van Low Profile
Best Inner Tie Rod Tool – Reviews (2021)

1. Lisle 46800 Master Inner Tie Rod Tool Set – Best Master Set
Extended Dimension: Changing a bad inner tie rod is often hard as it sits behind the other parts. Lisle 46800 master set features a long 18.5” dimension to reach those narrow and deep places without a breaker bar.
Additional Crow Feet: This master set comes with 12 crow feet in various sizes along with 4 additional spaces in the case to store some more.
Wrench Flat Compatibility: If your inner rod has inaccessible wrench-flat, this tool can lock on and make inner tie rods replacement more effortless.
Lightweight Design: This versatile toolset is lightweight and only weighs around 5 pounds. From a carrying perspective that’s a comfortable weight to move around in your garage back and forth.
2. OEM Tools 27178 Master Inner Tie Rod Removal Tool – Runner Up Master Set
Large Adapter Collection: Using 12 different adapters starting from 1-3/16” to 42mm, this OEM Master Set is one of the best inner tie rod removal tools in terms of compatibility.
Nickel-Plated Crow Feet: All the crow feet adapters are Nickel-plated to increase longer service time. This is great for the user who works regularly.
Tube Diameter: This inner tie rod removal tool supports almost all vehicles, SUV, and even pickup trucks. Thanks to its 2.12-inch tube diameter.
Half Inch Drive Handle: After fixed on an inner rod you can easily turn the tube with a ½ inch socket wrench or a ratchet that is pretty common in a garage.
3. Mayhew Pro 29910 Speedy Universal Inner Tie Rod Wrench – Best Universal
Supports Different Tie Rod Shape: As a standalone tool, this Mayhew Pro 29910 can go through all the shapes of rods knuckles. Such as hexagonal, round, and even octagonal rods. The best use for this kind of universal inner tie rod tool is in a garage.
Doesn’t Need Additional Adapter: Even though it doesn’t come with extra adapters, the tool can still grip a 35-45mm tie joint without a problem.
Narrow and Extended Shaft: The 16.5-inch length and comparatively narrow shaft makes it easy to get into any car with this inner tie rod tool kit.
Enforced 30mm Drive: It needs a 30mm wrench to drive the inner tie rod end removal tool properly. The wider drive actually helps to unscrew the rod effortlessly.
4. Astro 78806 Inner Tie Rod Removal and Installation Tool – Best for the Money
7 Crow Feet: Although this inner tie rod end tool is much inexpensive than some of the tools we have mentioned, this Astro 78806 set doesn’t skimp out on the accessories. Hence it comes with 7 attachments SAE: 1-7/16″; 1-5/16″, 1-1/4″, 1-3/16″, & Metric: 33.6mm, 17mm, and 14mm.
Quick Slide Collar: Quickly lock your crow feet with just a simple turn. The slide collar mechanism in this tool is hard to slip off or go out of place.
Control with Hand Wrench: You don’t need any fancy power tools to turn the inner tie rod wrench. Instead, all you need is a hand-driven wrench to control the tool.
Designed for Narrow Insertion: Tie rod removal is tricky but the narrow design helps a lot in this case. Moreover, with all those features it is the best tie rod end removal tool for the money.
5. ABN Low Profile Inner Tie Rod Tool Replacing Tool – Best Low Profile
Strong Tooth Grip: Both inner sides of the ABN Low Profile Tool have a sharp tooth for better gripping power. Plus the 9/16” nuts on the side also make sure the grip doesn’t slide easily.
Compact Design: This low profile tie rod replacing tool is so simple, it is a combination of only 2 parts. Just slide the tool through the rod and adjust the clamping force with two nuts.
Maximum Compatibility: Despite the tool being compact, it almost fits on all the round cylinder ends. This tool can take a maximum 3” diameter cylinder of all types which makes it a portable universal inner tie rod wrench.
Drive Regulator: To control the drive, you need a 3/8” socket wrench. In addition to that, you will also need a breaker bar to reach the tool.
6. Goplus Inner Tie Rod Replacing Tool Set – Best Budget
Unique Cutout Design: Unlike other tie rod tools on the market, Goplus Inner Tie Tool has a clever cutout on the socket design. The manufacturer claims it does help with quick attach/detaching.
Widespread Application: Along with other vehicles the tool is great for most GM, Ford, and Chrysler cars. That’s perfect for small garage or DIY projects.
Premium Materials: Strength is always a key factor for tools which are appraised in the heavy-duty workforce. Besides, high tensile steel and Electrophoretic coating give you a premium feel.
Additional Sockets: In this case, you will see 30mm, 34mm, and 36mm adapter that works on most cars. Plus a 15.5” dual-use tie rod will make your job easier.
7. Cal-Van Tools 946 Low Profile Universal Inner Tie Rod Tool – Also Great
Pocket Size Design: Not every tool can claim this handy feature and get away with it. But in case of Cal-Van Low Profile Tool, it’s only 3.25×2.88 inches.
Fast Paced Operation: One great thing about low profile universal tie-rod tools is, it requires less preparation. Just place the two clamps on the knuckle and get on with it.
Simple Universal Clamp: The tool set has only 2 parts that clamp on any style of inner tie-rod. Round or flat It will clap hard nevertheless. That’s how simple it is.
Efficient Application: In most cases to remove the inner rod you must detach the outer rod first. If you have a Cal-Van low profile tool set, you can bypass all that and get to real action promptly.
Inner Tie Rod Tool Buying Guide
It’s not uncommon to run into a car problem well after one or two years of continuous use. In most cases, it’s due to normal wear and tear. If you feel your issue includes shaking on the steering wheel on turning, weird noises, or even loose steering, you are having signs of a bad inner tie rod.
Naturally, you would want the issue to get fixed immediately. Nevertheless taking appointments and paying hundreds of dollars might not be an option for you but DIY fixing is.
Inner Tie Rod Tool Style
There are different styles of inner tie rod tools available on the market. Each style has its own use case and some works better than others.
Inner Tie Rod Tool Set
They come with different adapters and a wrench for different inner tie rods styles. Master sets have more adapters than normal sets. These tools cannot grip on the inner tie rod ends sockets without wrench flats.
Universal Inner Tie Rod Wrench
It’s just a single universal wrench for all kinds of inner tie rods. Instead of adapters, it uses balls/screws to grip on the socket or socket flats. They work on inner tie rod sockets with and without wrench flats.
Inner Tie Rod Clamp Tool
This is also called a low profile inner tie rod tool. They are very cheap and also have different shapes. They also work on inner tie rod sockets with and without wrench flats.
Durability
Removing the tie rod requires a lot of pressure tolerance. If you own a thin or a cheap steel tool, chances are they will break right after 1st uses. So it’s important to choose a quality toolset for longer use.
Compatibility
Every car has a different inner tie rod. They can be round without wrench flats, hexagonal, or even octagonal with flats. Choose any style tie-rod tool matching your car parts; just don’t choose the master set if you have rods without flats.
Storage Case
Tie-rod tool often comes with multiple attachments, so the case here keeps your tool organized and tidy. It also helps if you need to haul outside and make repairs on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is inner tie rod tool?
Inner tie rod tool is a special type of tool that allows you to remove and install the inner tie rod in the steering system.
How does an inner tie rod tool work?
Usually, the tie-rod tools lock into rod-end wrench-flats or clamp into knuckles through the inner rod. After that turn anti-clockwise to release the rod.
How to use the inner tie rod tool?
Securely place your best tie-rod tool that fits perfectly onto the wrench flats or knuckle. Then you turn the tool counterclockwise with a driving wrench to loosen the end.
How to tell if the inner tie rod is bad?
You will feel the vibration on steering, skewing sound when turning, unusual tire wear or alignment.
What causes inner tie rods to go bad?
These are some common causes of inner tie rod going bad:
- Lack of lubrication
- Bumpy roads
- Hitting curb hard
- Accidents
When to replace the inner tie rod?
Right after you sense any inconsistency in steering or wheel behavior, you should check and take action accordingly. Even if it’s a one-side problem you should deal with it quickly before it affects the other side.
Do you need a special tool to remove inner tie rods?
As long as you have the proper tie-rod tool and a wrench (extension bar, if needed) to turn the tool, you are good to go.
Final Words
We hope you like our best inner tie rod tool review and buying guide to help you with your next buy.
A quick reminder, the Lisle 46800 is best for work with multiple adapters and tie rod with flats. The Mayhew Pro 29910 is more suitable for versatile repairs without worrying about adapters.
If you’re into low profile tool, this ABN Tool is what you need. Finally, the Astro 78806, an amazing tool on a budget.
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