Tie Rod Assembly

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the outer tie rod ends on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, requiring a front-end alignment after completion.

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
• Cotter pins (1/8 inch) × 2 — Standard 1/8 inch automotive cotter pin
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Standard aerosol brake cleaner

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
3. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray tie rod end tapers and jam nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
6. Measure and record the exposed thread length from the inner tie rod to the outer tie rod end jam nut for rough pre-alignment reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end cotter pin
   Locate the castle nut securing the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using needle nose pliers. Discard the old cotter pin as it cannot be reused.
2. 2

   Loosen tie rod end castle nut
   Using a 21mm socket, loosen the castle nut on the outer tie rod end but do not remove it completely. Leave the nut flush with the top of the stud to protect the threads during separation.
   ℹ️Keeping the nut on prevents damage to the threads and protects you if the separator slips.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod end from knuckle
   Position the tie rod end separator tool between the steering knuckle and tie rod end. Strike or apply pressure per the tool manufacturer's instructions to break the taper connection. Once the taper is broken, remove the castle nut completely and remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
   ⚠Wear safety glasses when striking the separator tool as metal fragments may dislodge.
4. 4

   Loosen tie rod jam nut
   Using an 18mm wrench, loosen the jam nut (lock nut) that secures the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod. Do not remove the jam nut yet. Hold the inner tie rod with a 17mm wrench if necessary to prevent it from turning.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Count and record the number of turns required as you unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. This provides a rough alignment reference. Remove the jam nut once the tie rod end is off. Clean the threads on the inner tie rod with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
6. 6

   Install new outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal. This provides an approximate starting point for alignment. Thread the jam nut onto the inner tie rod but do not tighten it yet. Verify the exposed thread length matches your initial measurement.
   ℹ️This method provides only a rough approximation; professional alignment is still required.
7. 7

   Install tie rod end into knuckle
   Clean the steering knuckle taper bore with brake cleaner. Insert the tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle. Thread the castle nut onto the stud by hand, ensuring it threads smoothly without cross-threading.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque tie rod end castle nut
   Torque the tie rod end castle nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) using a torque wrench and 21mm socket. 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 stud.
   ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align the cotter pin hole; only tighten to the next available slot.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new cotter pin
   Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and tie rod end stud. Bend the legs of the cotter pin around the nut to secure it in place. Trim excess length if necessary, but ensure the pin cannot fall out.
10. 10

    Temporarily tighten jam nut
    Using an 18mm wrench, snug the jam nut against the outer tie rod end, but do not torque to final specification yet. This allows for adjustment during the alignment procedure. Hold the outer tie rod with a second wrench to prevent it from turning.
    ℹ️Final torque of the jam nut must be performed after professional alignment.
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 10 for the opposite side tie rod end. Both sides should be replaced as a pair to ensure even wear and handling characteristics.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Perform a final torque check on all wheel lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After professional alignment is completed, torque the tie rod jam nuts to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
2. Verify all cotter pins are properly installed and secured
3. Perform a final inspection of all fasteners before returning vehicle to service

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response is normal with no looseness or binding
• Listen for any clunking or knocking noises from the front end during turning
• Verify steering wheel returns to center after turning
• Schedule and complete a professional front-end alignment immediately
• After alignment, verify tie rod jam nuts are torqued to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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