Tie Rod Assembly

Replace the tie rod end assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including removal of the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle and installation of a new tie rod assembly with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — 3/32" x 1.5" or OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails.
6. Remove front wheel on side requiring tie rod replacement.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position for reference
   Before loosening any fasteners, measure and record the exposed thread length on the outer tie rod where it threads into the inner tie rod or adjusting sleeve. Use a measuring tape to record the distance from the lock nut to the end of the tie rod end threads, or count the number of visible threads. Mark the tie rod body and adjusting sleeve with paint marker to preserve the original orientation. This reference will help maintain approximate alignment after installation.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the castle nut securing the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use pliers to remove and discard the cotter pin by straightening the legs and pulling it out. Using a wrench or socket of the correct size (verify against factory service specification), loosen and remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Position a tie rod end puller or pickle fork between the steering knuckle and the tie rod end boss. Tighten the puller to apply pressure, or strike the pickle fork with a hammer to break the taper fit. The tie rod end ball stud will pop free from the knuckle taper. If using a pickle fork, be aware this tool may damage the tie rod end boot, which is acceptable since the part is being replaced. Once separated, remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
4. 4

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Locate the lock nut (jam nut) where the outer tie rod end threads into the adjusting sleeve or inner tie rod. This nut locks the tie rod end in position after alignment. Using an adjustable wrench or large pliers, loosen the lock nut but do not remove it completely yet. It will serve as a reference point during removal.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Grip the tie rod end body firmly and unscrew it counterclockwise from the adjusting sleeve or inner tie rod assembly. Count the number of complete rotations required to remove the tie rod end and record this number. The lock nut will travel along the threads as you unscrew the tie rod end. Once fully unthreaded, remove both the tie rod end and lock nut together.
6. 6

   Clean threads and inspect components
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads on the adjusting sleeve or inner tie rod where the new tie rod end will install. Remove any dirt, rust, or debris. Inspect the threads for damage or stripping. Check the steering knuckle taper bore for damage or excessive wear. If the taper is damaged, the knuckle may require replacement.
7. 7

   Install new tie rod lock nut
   Thread the new or existing lock nut onto the adjusting sleeve or inner tie rod, positioning it approximately where it was on the old tie rod end. The lock nut threads on first, followed by the tie rod end, so the nut will be trapped between them.
8. 8

   Thread new tie rod end onto adjusting sleeve
   Thread the new outer tie rod end clockwise onto the adjusting sleeve or inner tie rod. Use the same number of rotations recorded during removal, or thread it in until the marks align if using the paint reference method. The goal is to match the original position as closely as possible to minimize toe angle change. Do not fully tighten the lock nut yet.
9. 9

   Install tie rod end into steering knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the taper hole in the steering knuckle. Ensure the stud is fully seated in the taper. Thread the castle nut onto the stud by hand until it is snug against the knuckle.
10. 10

    Torque castle nut and install cotter pin
    Using a torque wrench and correctly sized socket (verify against factory service specification), torque the tie rod end castle nut to the factory-specified value. Once torqued, check the alignment of the castle nut slots with the hole in the ball stud. If the slots do not align with the cotter pin hole, tighten the nut slightly (do not loosen) until the next slot aligns. Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud, then bend the legs of the cotter pin to secure it.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Position the wheel onto the hub and thread the lug nuts by hand. Using the correctly sized socket (verify against vehicle specification), tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Lower the vehicle carefully off the jack stands using the floor jack until the tire contacts the ground with partial weight. Remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
12. 12

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, use a torque wrench and correctly sized socket (verify against vehicle specification) to torque the wheel lug nuts to the factory-specified value in a star pattern. This ensures even seating of the wheel against the hub.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Do NOT torque the tie rod lock nut to specification until after a professional front-end alignment is performed.
2. After alignment is complete, have the technician torque the tie rod lock nut to 68 Nm (50 lb-ft) to lock the tie rod end in its adjusted position.
3. If replacing tie rod ends on both sides, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side.

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for any clicking, popping, or binding in the tie rod area.
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm the tie rod end ball stud is fully seated in the knuckle taper and the castle nut is properly secured with a cotter pin.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area. The steering should feel responsive with no excessive play or wandering.
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment immediately. Driving distances should be minimized until alignment is completed to prevent premature tire wear.

More procedures for this vehicle