There is a bent eccentric rod on our PolarExpress locomotive. How hard is it to remove and replace it? Does it require special tools or an engineering degree?

No on the torch, it might warp the shaft. The use of an arbor press us highly advised

No, it will not usually need to be removed. But a special tool is required for removing and replacing the inner tie rods. You can buy this special tool, or have a shop do it.

You may cut it with a sawzall and a couple of blades.

If the steering rack is good & your keeping it,
you go to a front end shop,not a chain store place

There are special tools to remove the inner tie
rod & then it has to be aligned

If you bent a tie rod, I suspect the rack is ruined
& who knows what else!

disconnect it from the outer tie rod, remove the boot from the steering rack , you will need a special tool to get at the inner rod cap, remove and install new , then get the car aligned, not an easy job and hard to get at

yes! It is called an inner tie rod end and may require a special tool to install. Alignment is required after parts are replaced. Failing to do aligment may cause tire to be worn exessively

you can replace just the tie rod yourself although you do need a special tool but you should be able to get it at any parts store just take the outer tie rod loose from the steering knuckle remove the rubber boot from the inner tie rod and get the proper size tool to fit he nut and remove and replace the inner tie rod and install in reverse order make sure to count the amout of turns that removed the outer tie rod and reinstall the same amount of turns then afterward the car needs to be aligned

First loosen the jam nut with a 21mm wrench. Then use vise grips or whatever you have to make sure the rod can be turned that goes into the outer tie rod. Then remove the cotter pin and 17mm castle nut. Strike the hub where the tie rod goes through with a hammer repeatedly until the tie rod pops out of the hole.

Then simply unscrew the tie rod end and replace it. If the inner tie rod end is also damaged, or the rod is damaged you will need to replace them as well. Inner tie rods have a special tool to remove them, see your local auto parts store.

Remember, replacing an outer tie rod end changes your cars toe (alignment). You will require an alignment after replacing it, even if you think the car drives straight.

Good luck!

its an easy job if you have the tools but you wll need an alignment after so its best just to let them do it all. You may have something bent and an inspection from a qualified tech might find something

Hi Tarja, your question is 4 years old, but here is the answer:
You've probably seen the odd shaped tiny screws on the underside of the train. Ignore them - they require specialized tools and only lead to the wheels and gears.
You just need to insert a small cross-tip screwdriver into the exhaust funnel of the engine and remove the screw completely. The black front of the engine comes off and reveals AAA micro batteries which you gently shake out of the engine and replace.
As ever so often - once you know how to do it, it is very easy.
And - no, I didn't find out myself either *grin*