steering

Tie Rod End - Outer

for 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 65 kWh Single Motor FWD · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

48 min

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the outer tie rod end on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including proper torque specifications and alignment considerations.

Warnings

⚠This vehicle uses electric power steering. Ensure the vehicle is powered off before working near steering components.

⚠Replacing the outer tie rod end will affect wheel alignment. A professional alignment is required after this repair.

ℹ️This is a high-voltage electric vehicle. Avoid contact with orange high-voltage cables and components.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Torque wrench (30-150 Nm range)Essential

Tie rod end separator or pickle forkEssential

19mm wrenchEssential

21mm socketEssential

Adjustable wrench or large pliersEssential

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Paint marker or tape measureEssential

Hammer

Cotter pin removal tool or pliersEssential

Parts

Outer tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
Cotter pin × 1 — New cotter pin required

Preparation

Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels
Ensure the vehicle is in Park with the parking brake engaged
Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the affected side while the vehicle is on the ground
Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support securely on jack stands
Remove the wheel completely

Procedure

1
Remove the cotter pin and castle nut
Locate the outer tie rod end castle nut at the steering knuckle. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using pliers or a cotter pin removal tool. Remove and discard the castle nut using a 19mm wrench. Note: Do not reuse the cotter pin.
2
Mark the tie rod position
Before loosening the tie rod lock nut, use a paint marker to mark the exact position of the outer tie rod end on the inner tie rod threads. Alternatively, measure the exposed thread length from the lock nut to the end of the tie rod. This ensures approximate alignment when installing the new tie rod end.
3
Loosen the tie rod lock nut
Using a 21mm wrench, loosen the tie rod lock nut located where the outer tie rod end threads onto the inner tie rod. Do not remove it completely yet; leave it threaded on to protect the threads.
4
Separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle
Using a tie rod end separator or pickle fork, separate the outer tie rod end ball stud from the steering knuckle. Position the tool between the tie rod end and knuckle, then apply pressure to break the taper. Tap with a hammer if necessary. Avoid damaging the steering knuckle or CV boot.
⚠Be careful not to damage the CV axle boot when using a separator tool. A damaged boot will require replacement to prevent CV joint failure.
5
Remove the old outer tie rod end
Once separated from the knuckle, count and record the number of turns required to unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. This provides a reference for installing the new tie rod end. Remove the tie rod lock nut and the outer tie rod end completely.
6
Prepare the new outer tie rod end
Clean the threads on the inner tie rod with a wire brush if necessary. Thread the tie rod lock nut onto the new outer tie rod end several turns before installation. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the inner tie rod threads if desired.
7
Install the new outer tie rod end
Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod using the same number of turns counted during removal, or align with the paint mark made earlier. This provides a preliminary alignment setting. Insert the ball stud into the steering knuckle taper.
8
Install and torque the tie rod end nut
Install the new castle nut onto the outer tie rod end ball stud. Torque the nut to specification. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut further (do not loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole in the ball stud. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
Torque spec
Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9
Temporarily tighten the lock nut
Snug the tie rod lock nut against the outer tie rod end body, but do not torque to final specification yet. The lock nut will be torqued to final specification only after a professional wheel alignment is performed.
ℹ️The tie rod lock nut must be torqued to final specification after alignment to prevent loosening during operation.
10
Reinstall the wheel
Reinstall the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Ensure the new cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent the castle nut from loosening
Verify all fasteners are properly tightened before test driving
The tie rod lock nut must be torqued to 68 Nm (50 lb-ft) AFTER professional wheel alignment is completed

Verification

Verify the outer tie rod end ball stud has no play or looseness in the steering knuckle
Check that the cotter pin is properly installed and secured
Test steering for smooth operation with the vehicle stationary and engine on
Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately after completing this repair
After alignment, verify the tie rod lock nut has been torqued to final specification

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