Tie Rod End: Service and Repair

Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod nut.
4. Remove the outer tie rod nut.
5. Use the OTC 7314A, or equivalent, in order to separate the outer tie rod from the knuckle.





6. Use paint in order to place matchmarks (2,4) on the following components:
^ The inner tie rod (1)
^ The lock nut (3)
^ The outer tie rod (5)

7. Loosen the lock nut.
8. Remove the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the outer tie rod (5) to the inner tie rod (1). Align the outer tie rod with the matchmarks (2,4). Do not tighten the lock nut (3).
2. Ensure the plastic spacer is on the ball stud for the outer tie rod end.
3. Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.

4. Notice:

Important: Do not loosen the nut in order to insert the cotter pin.

Install the outer tie rod nut to the ball stud for the outer tie rod.
Tighten the nut to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.). Align the cotter pin slot by tightening the outer tie rod nut up to 1/6 additional turn, or 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.) maximum.
5. Install the cotter pin into the hole in the tie rod stud.
6. Install the front tire and wheel assembly.
7. Adjust the front toe.
Tighten the lock nut against the outer tie rod to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
8. Verify the steering gear boot is not twisted.
9. Lower the vehicle.