Drag Link replacement

[Antznz]

Ok.. There's a lot of forums about drag links but i can't seem to answer the following questions. (I'm very new and no mechanic.. SWB GQ Y60
1) what is the process for removing the drag link. (does the vehicle have to be jacked up etc?)
2) what tool is used to separate the joint (Pickle fork, hammer or a joint puller) how do you do it?
3) when putting the new drag link back on (lets assume its adjustable aftermarket) once its back on the the steering wheel is off centre what is the right way to correct it (Don't say pull the steering wheel off and re-centre)
Why the detailed question well I've just taken the truck to the local nissan dealer and he's put an after market one back on and now the steering wheel is 1/4 turn to the left. The vehicle does not pull either way just the steering wheel off centre. He does not know how to fix it and suggests a wheel alignment at a specialist place as their machine is broken. I'm trying to avoid a $150 bill for a wheel alignment after paying him $400 for 30 minutes work which has created issues.........

[MudRunnerTD]

He is an idiot!

You don't need a wheel alignment. The drag link goes from the steering box to the left side hub and steers the thing. The tie rod is adjusted in an alignment

If it is an adjustable drag link then each end is threaded opposite, un-tighten the rod ends and using monkey wrench or pipe wrench turn the body of the bar to lengthen or shorten it to suit your steering wheel

[Bulbous]

1. Jack the vehicle up, and place axle stands. This is to give you space to work - it doesn't NEED to be jacked up. If you have access to a pit, then you can do it from there or lift the car on a hoist.

2. I undid the nuts on mine and gave it a couple of belts with a hammer. It's a taper fit so it gets pretty tight, but the hammer will disturb the taper and it will spring apart. Hit it on the knuckle not the threaded bit. Just in case you can't remove it and need to put the nuts back on to drive for help :)

3. Don't know the answer to this because I had to replace mine cos it was bent. My steering went back to normal once the banana shaped link was replaced with a nice new straight one.

[Stropp]

As mud runner says adjustable drag link or remove the steering wheel and put it back on straight which is what I will be doing as we just had a 3" lift kit on and it has turned almost 90 deg due to the lift.

[nissannewby]

Just adjust it (if adjustable) you will probably want to lengthen it and do so until your steering wheel sits at the correct spot.

[Gas_Guzzler4800]

Im assuming the old tierod ends were buggered and he has installed an aftermarket adjustable draglink and has not adjusted it correctly to suit your lift. As the others have said, with the front wheels off the ground crack each locking nut on both sides, centre your steering wheel ( easiest to have a helper sit in the car and hold the steering wheel straight ) Rotate the centre of the draglink until it pulls your front wheels to the straight ahead position. You may need to test drive it to get it spot on. You are not changing anything to do with the toe in or out ( alignment )

[Antznz]

Ok...cheers for that response. Yes the RH knukcle (tie rod end) was buggered and it failed a warrant of fitness. The one in the truck was the factory one from 22 years ago. They've replaced it with an adjustable one. The truck is all factory stock so no list etc. Think I'll go for the undo the nuts and twist it with a monkey wrench one turn and see what happens. Cheers MudRunner.....And others

[MudRunnerTD]

Good job mate. I would not even bother jacking the front wheels off the ground. When you go to do it make sure you have driven straight into where you are going to adjust it, ie. the front wheels are pointing dead straight ahead. If this is the case then the only thing you are actually adjusting is the steering wheel! Adjusting the drag link parked like this will send all the adjustment through the steering box, just adjust the bar until the steering wheel is in the right spot and it will be as close as it gets to perfect. A quick trip around the block will confirm your correct adjustment. Easy! Disappointed that the Nissan Service Tech could not figure this out.....It aint Rocket Science!

[nissannewby]

Disappointed that the Nissan Service Tech could not figure this out.....It aint Rocket Science!

Seems to be the consensus these days