Tie Rods - Both Sides

This procedure covers the replacement of both inner and outer tie rods on both sides of the vehicle, requiring steering system disassembly and post-repair wheel alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins × 4 — Various sizes for tie rod ends
• Steering rack bellows boot - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering rack bellows boot - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Boot clamps × 4 — Various sizes

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove both front wheels
5. Spray all tie rod fasteners and threads with penetrating oil
6. Center the steering wheel and note its position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod ends
   Remove the cotter pins from both outer tie rod end castle nuts using pliers or diagonal cutters. Loosen but do not remove the castle nuts. Using a tie rod separator tool, separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Remove the castle nut completely and remove the tie rod end from the knuckle. Repeat for both sides.
2. 2

   Measure and mark tie rod positions
   Before removing outer tie rods from inner tie rods, count and record the exact number of threads visible on each side. Alternatively, measure the distance from the inner tie rod lock nut to the outer tie rod end. Mark the jam nut position with paint or marker. This ensures approximate alignment when installing new parts.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rods from inner tie rods
   Loosen the tie rod lock nut (jam nut) on each side using appropriate wrenches. Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by turning counterclockwise. Count the turns required for removal. Keep lock nuts with their respective sides.
4. 4

   Access inner tie rods
   Cut and remove the steering rack bellows boot clamps on both sides. Slide the boots away from the inner tie rod connections to expose the inner tie rod attachment points at the steering rack. Inspect boots for damage and replace if torn or cracked.
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rods
   Hold the steering rack with one wrench to prevent rotation. Using a second wrench or inner tie rod tool, loosen and remove the inner tie rod from the steering rack. The inner tie rod typically threads into the rack or is secured with a pinch bolt depending on design. Remove both inner tie rods. Clean the threads on the steering rack with a wire brush.
6. 6

   Install new inner tie rods
   Thread the new inner tie rods into the steering rack hand-tight. Hold the steering rack to prevent rotation and torque the inner tie rods to specification. Ensure threads are clean and components seat fully. If using pinch bolt style, install and torque the bolt appropriately.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new steering rack boots
   Slide new bellows boots over the inner tie rods and seat them properly in the grooves on both the steering rack housing and the inner tie rod body. Ensure boots are not twisted or pinched. Install new boot clamps on both ends of each boot and tighten securely.
8. 8

   Install outer tie rod ends
   Thread the jam nut (lock nut) onto each new outer tie rod end several turns. Thread the outer tie rod ends onto the inner tie rods using the same number of turns or thread count recorded during disassembly. This provides a starting point for alignment. Do not tighten lock nuts yet.
9. 9

   Connect outer tie rod ends to steering knuckles
   Insert the outer tie rod end ball studs into the steering knuckle tapers on both sides. Install the castle nuts and torque to specification. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut additional small increments until alignment occurs - never loosen to align. Install new cotter pins and bend the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until wheels contact the ground but vehicle weight is not fully on suspension. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Perform final lock nut torque after alignment
    Take vehicle to alignment shop immediately for wheel alignment. After alignment is complete and toe settings are correct, torque the tie rod lock nuts (jam nuts) to specification while holding the outer tie rod end to prevent rotation. This secures the alignment adjustment.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut85 Nm (63 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cotter pins are properly installed and bent
2. Confirm all boot clamps are tight and boots are not twisted
3. Check that steering wheel is still centered
4. Verify no tools or parts were left in wheel wells

Verification

• Test steering for smooth operation lock-to-lock with engine running
• Verify no unusual noises from front suspension during steering
• Confirm steering wheel is centered when driving straight
• Have wheel alignment performed and verified within specification
• Road test vehicle at various speeds to confirm proper steering response
• Re-check tie rod lock nut torque after alignment is complete

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