Tie Rod End - Inner

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.3L V8 engine, requiring partial steering rack exposure and alignment afterward.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end (if reusing, inspect carefully) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod lock nut × 1 — Use new if damaged
• Cotter pin for outer tie rod × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ACDelco Power Steering Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock ignition to prevent steering wheel movement
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Mark or measure the outer tie rod position relative to the inner tie rod for approximate reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod castle nut. Loosen but do not remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Remove the castle nut completely and separate the outer tie rod from the knuckle.
2. 2

   Separate outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Loosen the tie rod lock nut that joins the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. Count and record the number of turns or measure the exposed thread length for reassembly reference. Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod assembly completely. Keep the lock nut on the inner tie rod.
3. 3

   Access steering rack area
   From under the vehicle, locate the steering rack and inner tie rod boot. Remove the boot clamps using pliers or side cutters and slide the boot away from the steering rack to expose the inner tie rod connection point. Clean the area around the inner tie rod threads with a wire brush.
4. 4

   Disconnect power steering lines (if necessary for access)
   If access to the inner tie rod is restricted, you may need to disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines from the steering rack. Place drain pan underneath. Use line wrenches to disconnect the fittings. Cap or plug the lines and rack ports immediately to prevent contamination and excessive fluid loss. Remove and discard the O-rings from the fittings.
   ⚠Power steering fluid will drain rapidly. Have drain pan positioned properly before loosening fittings.
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod end
   Use an inner tie rod removal tool or large adjustable pliers to grip the flat surfaces on the inner tie rod body (behind the threads where it connects to the rack). Turn counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. If resistance is high, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak. Do not damage the rack housing or threads.
   ⚠Do not clamp on threaded portions or use excessive force that could damage the steering rack threads or housing.
6. 6

   Inspect steering rack threads and housing
   Examine the threads inside the steering rack where the inner tie rod was installed. Look for damage, cross-threading, or excessive wear. Clean threads with a wire brush. Inspect the rack boot and bellows for tears or damage. Replace if necessary.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod end
   Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the inner tie rod threads. Thread the new inner tie rod into the steering rack by hand, ensuring it starts straight and does not cross-thread. Use the inner tie rod tool to tighten the inner tie rod fully into the rack. Tighten to manufacturer specification, typically until fully seated with no additional torque spec provided for inner tie rod installation.
8. 8

   Reinstall steering rack boot
   Slide the rack boot back over the inner tie rod and steering rack housing. Ensure it is properly seated in both grooves. Install new boot clamps and crimp or tighten securely to prevent dirt and moisture intrusion.
9. 9

   Reconnect power steering lines (if disconnected)
   Install new O-rings on the power steering line fittings, lightly lubricating with clean power steering fluid. Thread the fittings into the steering rack by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Tighten the power steering line fittings to specification using a line wrench.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install outer tie rod end
    Thread the outer tie rod onto the inner tie rod to the previously marked or measured position. This provides an initial alignment setting. Thread the outer tie rod into the steering knuckle taper and install the castle nut. Tighten the tie rod end castle nut to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and tie rod stud, bending the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

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

    Secure tie rod lock nut
    Position the tie rod lock nut against the outer tie rod end. Do NOT torque to final specification yet - only snug the lock nut hand-tight at this point. Final torque will be applied after professional wheel alignment.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and tire assembly. Thread lug nuts by hand first, then tighten in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Refill and bleed power steering system
    If power steering lines were disconnected, refill the power steering reservoir with ACDelco Power Steering Fluid to the proper level. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times to bleed air from the system. Check for leaks at all connections. Top off fluid level as needed. Continue bleeding until no air bubbles are visible and steering operates smoothly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to proper specifications, especially the tie rod end castle nut and steering line fittings
2. Verify the new cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent tie rod separation
3. Check power steering fluid level is correct and system has no leaks
4. Confirm steering rack boot is properly seated with clamps secured to prevent contamination

Verification

• Start engine and verify power steering system operates without leaks, noise, or excessive effort
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times and verify smooth operation with no binding
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response (vehicle will have incorrect toe setting)
• IMMEDIATELY schedule professional wheel alignment - driving with incorrect alignment damages tires and affects handling
• After alignment is completed, torque the tie rod lock nut to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) specification
• After alignment, recheck all fasteners and perform final inspection of all connections

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