Tie Rod End - Inner

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including rack boot removal and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod boot kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod lock nut × 1 — Use OEM specification (if reusing is not recommended)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal to de-energize the electric power steering system
3. Raise and support the vehicle securely on jack stands at the front subframe
4. Remove the wheel on the side being serviced
5. Lock the steering wheel in the centered position using a steering wheel holder or seat belt through the wheel
6. Mark or measure the current tie rod length from the inner tie rod housing to the outer tie rod end centerline for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod end castle nut. Loosen and remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Do not strike the tie rod end threads with a hammer.
2. 2

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Using a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod end (to prevent rotation), loosen the tie rod lock nut that secures the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. Do not remove completely yet. Count and record the number of exposed threads on the inner tie rod for reference during reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Thread the outer tie rod end off the inner tie rod, counting the number of complete turns for reference. Remove the lock nut completely. Set the outer tie rod assembly aside if reusing.
4. 4

   Remove steering rack boot
   Remove the boot clamps from both ends of the steering rack boot covering the inner tie rod. Slide the boot off the inner tie rod and away from the rack housing to expose the inner tie rod connection point.
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod end
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool, engage the tool on the flats of the inner tie rod end behind the boot area. Hold the steering rack firmly (or have an assistant hold it) to prevent rotation. Unthread the inner tie rod end counterclockwise from the steering rack. If resistance is high, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak.
6. 6

   Clean steering rack threads
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads on the steering rack where the inner tie rod attaches. Inspect threads for damage. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Apply a thin coat of grease to the threads.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod end
   Thread the new inner tie rod end clockwise onto the steering rack by hand until it seats fully. Use the inner tie rod removal tool to tighten the inner tie rod end. Apply torque per manufacturer specifications (typically 100-120 Nm, but verify with specific tool instructions as this is often a staked or crimped connection rather than a torque-specified fastener). Some inner tie rods require staking after installation.
8. 8

   Install steering rack boot
   Slide the new or cleaned steering rack boot over the inner tie rod end and seat it properly on both the rack housing and the inner tie rod neck. Ensure the boot is not twisted. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely to prevent grease loss and contamination.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod end
   Thread the lock nut onto the new inner tie rod threads. Thread the outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal. This provides an approximate starting alignment. Do not tighten the lock nut yet.
10. 10

    Connect outer tie rod to knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the stud hole; if necessary, tighten slightly more (never loosen) to align slots. Install a new cotter pin and bend tabs to secure.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and install lug nuts. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and perform final checks
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Before driving, verify steering wheel is centered and tie rod connections are secure. The tie rod lock nut should NOT be torqued until after professional wheel alignment.

Reassembly

1. After professional wheel alignment is completed, torque the tie rod lock nut to specification while holding the inner tie rod from rotating
2. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and cotter pins are installed
3. Test drive the vehicle in a safe area to verify steering operation and listen for unusual noises

Verification

• Visually inspect all connections for proper seating and torque
• Verify the cotter pin is properly installed through the castle nut and bent
• Check that the steering rack boot is properly seated with no tears or twists
• Confirm steering wheel returns to center when turned and released at low speed
• Have a professional wheel alignment performed immediately after this repair to set proper toe specifications and torque the tie rod lock nut to 68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
• After alignment, verify no steering pull or unusual tire wear over the next 100 miles

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