Tie Rod End - Inner

Replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 1992 Dodge Viper, requiring separation from the outer tie rod and steering rack, with alignment reference marking and post-service alignment recommended.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification or Moog EV285 equivalent
• Tie rod lock nut (if damaged or corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove.
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod alignment reference
   Before disassembly, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the position of the outer tie rod where it threads onto the inner tie rod. Measure and record the exposed thread length between the outer tie rod jam nut and the end of the inner tie rod threads. This provides a reference for approximate reinstallation position.
2. 2

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Locate the lock nut (jam nut) where the outer tie rod threads onto the inner tie rod. Use an adjustable wrench or appropriately sized wrench to loosen this lock nut. Do not remove it completely yet; back it off several turns toward the outer tie rod end. If the lock nut is seized, apply penetrating oil and allow time to soak before attempting removal.
3. 3

   Separate outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   While holding the inner tie rod end stationary (to prevent twisting the steering rack boot), unthread the outer tie rod end by rotating it counterclockwise. Count and record the number of complete turns required to remove the outer tie rod. This serves as an additional reference for reassembly. Once separated, set the outer tie rod and lock nut aside.
4. 4

   Access inner tie rod at steering rack
   Locate where the inner tie rod threads into the steering rack assembly. The steering rack is mounted behind the front suspension crossmember. Carefully pull back or cut the steering rack boot clamp if necessary to expose the inner tie rod connection point at the rack. Some boots have a small access area; others require boot removal or significant displacement.
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod from steering rack
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool (crow's foot style or specialized tie rod socket that fits around the rack), grip the flats on the inner tie rod body where it threads into the steering rack. Turn counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the rack. The inner tie rod typically requires significant torque to break loose. Ensure the tool is fully seated to prevent rounding the flats. Remove the inner tie rod completely.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean steering rack threads
   Inspect the threads inside the steering rack where the inner tie rod was installed. Use a wire brush to clean any debris, corrosion, or old thread sealant from the rack threads. Inspect the steering rack boot for tears, cracks, or damage. Replace the boot if compromised, as it protects the rack from contamination.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod to steering rack
   Thread the new inner tie rod into the steering rack by hand, turning clockwise. Ensure it threads smoothly without cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use the inner tie rod removal tool to tighten the inner tie rod fully into the rack. The inner tie rod itself should be tightened firmly into the rack using the specialized tool until fully seated against the internal stop. Consult the factory service manual for the exact inner tie rod-to-rack and tie rod lock nut torque specifications for the 1992 Dodge Viper, as these values are platform-specific and must be verified before final assembly.
   ⚠Do not use excessive torque that could damage the steering rack internal threads. Tighten until the inner tie rod is fully seated.
8. 8

   Reposition steering rack boot
   If the steering rack boot was displaced or the clamp was removed, reposition the boot over the inner tie rod and secure with a new clamp or reinstall the original clamp. Ensure the boot is not twisted and is fully seated in its grooves on both the rack housing and the inner tie rod body.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod to inner tie rod
   Thread the outer tie rod end onto the new inner tie rod by turning it clockwise. Use the alignment marks and turn count recorded during disassembly to position the outer tie rod approximately in its original location. Thread the outer tie rod the same number of turns recorded earlier, aligning with your reference marks. This provides a close approximation for safe transport to an alignment shop.
10. 10

    Install and snug tie rod lock nut
    Thread the lock nut (jam nut) down toward the inner tie rod until it contacts the outer tie rod body. Snug the lock nut with a wrench to hold the outer tie rod in position, but do not torque to final specification yet. The lock nut will be torqued to final specification after the vehicle alignment is performed.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After professional four-wheel alignment is completed, the alignment technician should torque the tie rod lock nut to 68 Nm (50 lb-ft) per factory specification.
2. Verify steering wheel is centered and vehicle tracks straight after alignment.
3. Re-check tie rod lock nut torque after first 50-100 miles of driving.

Verification

• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock with the engine off to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noise.
• Visually inspect the tie rod connections to ensure the lock nut is snug against the outer tie rod.
• Verify the steering rack boot is properly seated and clamped with no visible tears.
• Have a four-wheel alignment performed immediately. Verify toe settings are within factory specification.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speeds in a safe area to confirm proper steering response before highway use.
• After alignment, confirm the steering wheel is centered when driving straight and the vehicle does not pull to either side.

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