Tie Rod Assembly

Replace outer and/or inner tie rod ends to restore steering linkage integrity and correct alignment issues on the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Outer tie rod end (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Inner tie rod end (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Inner tie rod end (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Castle nut for tie rod end × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 4 — 1/8 inch diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at frame cross member or subframe
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-recommended jacking points
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray all tie rod fasteners and threads with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position for reference
   Before removing any components, count and record the number of exposed threads on the outer tie rod end where it threads into the adjuster sleeve or inner tie rod. Alternatively, measure the overall length from the center of the inner tie rod ball joint to the center of the outer tie rod ball joint. Mark the tie rod adjuster sleeve position with paint or a scribe relative to both inner and outer tie rods. This preserves approximate toe setting.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the outer tie rod end where it connects to the steering knuckle. Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the castle nut using pliers. Remove the castle nut using a 3/4 inch socket or appropriately sized wrench. Do not fully remove the nut yet - leave it threaded on a few turns to protect the threads and prevent the tie rod from suddenly releasing.
3. 3

   Separate outer tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Using a tie rod end puller or pickle fork, separate the tie rod end taper from the steering knuckle. Position the puller jaws around the tie rod housing and apply pressure. If using a pickle fork, tap it between the knuckle and tie rod housing with a hammer until the taper breaks free. Once separated, remove the castle nut completely and remove the outer tie rod end from the knuckle. Note: Using a pickle fork will likely damage the tie rod boot, acceptable only if replacing the tie rod.
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod end from adjuster sleeve
   Locate the adjuster sleeve clamp bolts or lock nuts on the tie rod adjuster sleeve. Loosen these fasteners but do not remove them completely. Using an adjustable wrench on the flats of the outer tie rod end, unscrew it from the adjuster sleeve while counting the turns. Record the number of turns for reference during reassembly. Remove the outer tie rod end completely.
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod end from center link
   If replacing the inner tie rod, locate where it connects to the steering center link (relay rod). Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut at this connection. Remove or loosen the castle nut, leaving it threaded on a few turns. Use the tie rod puller to separate the inner tie rod taper from the center link. Once separated, remove the castle nut and withdraw the inner tie rod end from the center link.
6. 6

   Remove adjuster sleeve and inner tie rod assembly
   With both ends disconnected, remove the adjuster sleeve clamp bolts completely. Slide the adjuster sleeve off the inner tie rod. Remove the complete inner tie rod assembly if being replaced. Clean the threads on the center link and steering knuckle mounting points with a wire brush to remove corrosion and debris.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod end
   If the inner tie rod was removed, install the new inner tie rod end into the center link taper. Install a new castle nut and tighten firmly to seat the taper properly. Continue tightening to the next castle slot that aligns with the cotter pin hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the legs to secure. Apply chassis grease to the grease fitting if equipped.
8. 8

   Install adjuster sleeve and outer tie rod end
   Slide the adjuster sleeve onto the inner tie rod end, aligning it with your reference marks. Thread the new outer tie rod end into the adjuster sleeve the same number of turns that were counted during removal, or until the overall length matches your initial measurement. Do not tighten the adjuster sleeve clamps yet.
9. 9

   Connect outer tie rod end to steering knuckle
   Insert the outer tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install a new castle nut and tighten firmly to properly seat the taper and eliminate any play. Continue tightening to the next castle slot that aligns with the cotter pin hole in the stud. Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud, then bend the legs securely to lock the nut in place.
10. 10

    Adjust toe setting and secure adjuster sleeve
    Verify that the tie rod assembly length matches your original measurements. Make minor adjustments by turning the adjuster sleeve as needed. Once satisfied with the approximate toe setting, tighten the adjuster sleeve clamp bolts securely. Ensure the clamp openings are positioned away from the tie rod end boots to prevent interference. Apply chassis grease to all grease fittings using a grease gun until fresh grease appears at the boot seals.
11. 11

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 10 for the opposite side tie rod assembly, maintaining the same measurement references and procedures to ensure both sides have similar toe settings.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands to the ground
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern with vehicle weight on wheels
4. Remove jack and jack stands, then remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify smooth operation without binding or noise
• Check that all tie rod end castle nuts are tight and cotter pins are properly installed and bent
• Verify no excessive play exists in tie rod ends by attempting to move them by hand with wheels on ground
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm steering response
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible, as the rough toe setting will not provide proper tire wear or handling characteristics

More procedures for this vehicle