Tie Rod End - Inner

Replace the inner tie rod end on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine to restore proper steering linkage integrity and alignment capability.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification for AMC Rebel
• Outer tie rod end (if damaged during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod adjusting sleeve clamp bolts × 2 — Replace if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Mark the current position of the outer tie rod end on the threads of the inner tie rod with paint or tape, and measure the exposed thread length for reference during reassembly
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking point
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under the frame rails
7. Remove front wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Apply penetrating oil to tie rod connections
   Spray penetrating oil liberally on the outer tie rod castle nut, the tie rod adjusting sleeve clamp bolts, and the inner tie rod connection at the steering rack or center link. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if components appear rusty or corroded.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod castle nut. Loosen and remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod end separator or pickle fork to separate the outer tie rod taper from the steering knuckle. Strike the separator tool sharply with a hammer to break the taper free. Note: This may damage the outer tie rod boot, so have a replacement available if needed.
3. 3

   Loosen tie rod adjusting sleeve clamps
   Locate the adjusting sleeve that connects the inner and outer tie rod ends. Remove or loosen both clamp bolts on the adjusting sleeve. Do not remove the sleeve yet. The sleeve orientation should be marked for reference, noting the position of clamps relative to the front/rear of the vehicle.
4. 4

   Separate outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Using the reference marks made during preparation, count the number of turns as you unthread the outer tie rod end from the adjusting sleeve. Record this number. Remove the outer tie rod end completely and set aside if reusing.
5. 5

   Access the inner tie rod connection
   Locate where the inner tie rod connects to the steering rack or center link (depending on steering system configuration). On 1970 Rebel models with center link steering, the inner tie rod connects to the center link with a threaded ball socket. Clean the connection area with a wire brush.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod boot or bellows
   If equipped with a rubber boot covering the inner tie rod connection, loosen or cut the boot clamps and slide the boot away from the connection point to expose the inner tie rod jam nut or mounting hardware. Inspect the boot for damage; replace if torn.
7. 7

   Remove the inner tie rod end
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool (crow's foot style wrench), loosen the inner tie rod from the steering rack or center link. The tool fits between the flats on the tie rod body. Turn counterclockwise to remove. If a jam nut is present, loosen it first with an adjustable wrench while holding the tie rod stationary. Remove the inner tie rod assembly completely.
8. 8

   Inspect steering components
   Examine the threads on the steering rack or center link for damage, stripped threads, or excessive wear. Check the adjusting sleeve for cracks or damage. Inspect the outer tie rod end for excessive play or torn boots. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
9. 9

   Install new inner tie rod end
   Thread the new inner tie rod end into the steering rack or center link by hand until snug. Use the inner tie rod removal tool to tighten the inner tie rod securely. Apply thread-locking compound if specified by the manufacturer. Tighten firmly; typical specification is 70-80 ft-lbs, but verify with manufacturer data as no torque spec is provided in database.
10. 10

    Reinstall tie rod boot
    Slide the rubber boot back over the inner tie rod connection, ensuring it seats properly in the grooves. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely to prevent dirt and moisture entry. Ensure the boot is not twisted or kinked.
11. 11

    Attach adjusting sleeve to inner tie rod
    Thread the adjusting sleeve onto the new inner tie rod end to approximately the same position as the old assembly, using your measurements and marks as reference. Leave the sleeve clamps loose for now.
12. 12

    Reinstall outer tie rod end
    Thread the outer tie rod end back into the adjusting sleeve, using the turn count recorded during disassembly to achieve approximately the same position. This will get the toe setting close to its original position. Insert the outer tie rod taper into the steering knuckle hole.
13. 13

    Secure outer tie rod to steering knuckle
    Install the castle nut onto the outer tie rod stud and tighten to specification (typically 35-40 ft-lbs for this application). Align the castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole in the stud. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
14. 14

    Adjust and tighten sleeve clamps
    Verify that the adjusting sleeve clamps are positioned correctly with openings toward the rear or front as noted during disassembly. Tighten both clamp bolts securely (typically 15-20 ft-lbs). Ensure the clamps grip both the inner and outer tie rod threads properly.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque lug nuts to 75-85 ft-lbs in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all fasteners are properly torqued, especially the outer tie rod castle nut and lug nuts
2. Verify that the cotter pin is properly installed and secured on the outer tie rod castle nut
3. Ensure the tie rod boot is properly seated and clamped to prevent contamination

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Visually inspect all connections to ensure nothing is loose or leaking
• Verify that the outer tie rod castle nut cotter pin is secure
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to check for pulling or wandering; steering should feel stable
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible, as toe and possibly other alignment angles will be affected by this repair

More procedures for this vehicle