If you’re noticing play in your steering or uneven tire wear, it might be time to replace your tie rod ends. Tie rod ends are essential components of your car’s steering system, connecting the steering rack to the wheels. Over time, they wear out, especially after racking up high mileage. In this guide, we’ll show you how to replace both inner and outer tie rod ends, ensuring your car is safe and roadworthy.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a list of tools and materials you’ll need for this job:

• Wrenches (19mm or 3/4 inch)
• Screwdrivers (flathead)
• Needle nose pliers
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Hammer or rubber mallet
• Grease gun
• Thread locker (blue, removable type)
• Inner tie rod tool (available for rent at auto parts stores)
• New inner and outer tie rod ends
• Silicone spray or grease

Step 1: Preparing the Vehicle

1. Safety First: Park your car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and lift the front end using a jack. Secure the car with jack stands.
2. Locate the Tie Rod: The tie rod connects your steering rack to the wheel assembly.

Step 2: Removing the Outer Tie Rod

1. Remove the Cotter Pin: Use needle nose pliers to straighten and pull out the cotter pin securing the castle nut.
2. Loosen the Castle Nut: Break it loose with a breaker bar, then remove it with a ratchet.
3. Pop the Tie Rod Loose: Flip the castle nut and lightly tap it with a hammer to dislodge the tie rod from the steering knuckle.

Step 3: Counting the Turns

1. Mark the Alignment: Loosen the alignment nut that locks the outer tie rod in place.
2. Unscrew the Outer Tie Rod: Count the number of turns it takes to unscrew the tie rod completely. Write this number down—it ensures your alignment is close when installing the new one.

Step 4: Removing the Inner Tie Rod

1. Remove the Boot: Use pliers to remove the clamps on the boot. Spray silicone lubricant inside to slide it off easily.
2. Check for Retaining Pins: Some tie rods have a retaining pin holding them in place. Pry it out with a screwdriver.
3. Unscrew the Inner Tie Rod: Use the inner tie rod tool to remove the inner tie rod from the steering rack.

Step 5: Installing the New Inner Tie Rod

1. Apply Thread Locker: Add a small amount of blue thread locker to the threads of the new tie rod.
2. Tighten the Tie Rod: Screw in the new inner tie rod by hand, then use the tie rod tool and torque wrench to tighten it to the manufacturer’s specifications (e.g., 66–74 ft-lbs).
3. Reinstall the Boot: Slide the boot back on and secure it with new clamps or zip ties.

Step 6: Installing the Outer Tie Rod

1. Count the Turns: Screw on the new outer tie rod, matching the number of turns it took to remove the old one.
2. Secure the Alignment Nut: Tighten the nut to keep the tie rod in place.
3. Install the Tie Rod into the Knuckle: Push the tie rod into the steering knuckle and secure it with the castle nut. Torque it to the manufacturer’s specifications (e.g., 46 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Greasing and Finalizing

1. Grease the Tie Rod: Attach a grease gun to the grease valve and pump grease until the rubber expands slightly.
2. Secure the Cotter Pin: Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and bend it to lock it in place.

Step 8: Alignment

After replacing the tie rods, your alignment will likely be off. Drive carefully to a professional alignment shop to ensure your steering is precise and safe.

Conclusion

Replacing inner and outer tie rod ends is a moderately challenging DIY task, but with the right tools and a step-by-step approach, you can save money and gain valuable experience. By maintaining your steering system, you’re ensuring a smoother and safer driving experience.