Tie Rods - Both Sides

Replace both inner and outer tie rod ends on the 1992 Dodge Viper, including steering gear boot inspection and alignment preparation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end - left × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end - right × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod assembly - left × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod assembly - right × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins × 2 — 1/8" diameter
• Steering gear boot kit (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground, but do not remove.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at approved lift point and support securely on jack stands under frame rails.
5. Remove front wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark alignment reference position
   Before removing any components, use a white paint marker or grease pencil to mark the position of the outer tie rod end on the inner tie rod threads. Count and record the number of exposed threads between the outer tie rod end and the jam nut. This reference will help approximate the original toe setting during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the outer tie rod end connection at the steering knuckle. Use cotter pin pliers to straighten and remove the cotter pin from the castle nut. Discard the old cotter pin. Remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud using an appropriate socket. If the stud spins, use a wrench on the tie rod end body to hold it stationary.
3. 3

   Separate outer tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Position a tie rod end separator tool or pickle fork between the steering knuckle and the tie rod end. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer to break the taper fit and separate the tie rod end stud from the knuckle bore. Once separated, pull the tie rod end stud completely out of the knuckle. Inspect the knuckle taper bore for damage or debris.
   ⚠The separator tool may damage the tie rod end boot. Since the tie rod ends are being replaced, this is acceptable for this procedure.
4. 4

   Loosen tie rod jam nut
   Locate the jam nut (lock nut) that secures the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod. Apply penetrating oil if the threads appear corroded. Use a large adjustable wrench or appropriately sized wrench to loosen the jam nut, turning it counterclockwise. Do not remove the jam nut completely yet; leave it threaded on the inner tie rod.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by turning it counterclockwise. Count the number of full turns required to remove it and record this number. Remove the jam nut from the inner tie rod threads. Clean the inner tie rod threads with a wire brush and inspect for damage.
6. 6

   Inspect and mark inner tie rod position
   Examine the steering gear boot for tears, cracks, or grease leakage. If damaged, the boot must be replaced. Mark the position of the inner tie rod relative to the steering rack using a paint marker. This serves as a reference point for the new inner tie rod installation. Note the orientation of the inner tie rod assembly.
7. 7

   Remove inner tie rod assembly
   Pull back the steering gear boot to expose the inner tie rod connection to the steering rack. The inner tie rod end connects to the center link (relay rod) via a tapered ball stud secured by a castle nut and cotter pin. Remove the cotter pin, then remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator to break the taper and separate the inner tie rod end from the center link. Verify the exact steering linkage configuration against the vehicle service manual before removal.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod assembly
   Insert the new inner tie rod ball stud into the tapered bore of the center link. Install the castle nut and tighten to the specified torque. If the castle nut slots do not align with the stud cotter pin hole, tighten further (never loosen) until a slot aligns, then install a new cotter pin. Verify all torque values and linkage details against the vehicle service manual.ding to the design.
   ℹ️The torque specification listed applies to the lock nut securing inner to outer tie rod. Inner tie rod to rack torque may differ; consult service manual if available.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install steering gear boot
   If the steering gear boot was removed or is being replaced, slide the new boot over the inner tie rod and seat it properly in the grooves on both the steering rack housing and the inner tie rod body. Ensure the boot is not twisted and is fully seated. Secure the boot with new clamps if provided, ensuring they are tight enough to prevent grease leakage but not so tight as to cut the boot material.
10. 10

    Install outer tie rod end and jam nut
    Thread the jam nut onto the inner tie rod first, followed by the new outer tie rod end. Turn the outer tie rod end clockwise onto the inner tie rod threads. Using your recorded turn count or thread exposure marks, thread the outer tie rod end to approximately the same position as the original. The jam nut should remain loose at this point to allow for adjustment.
11. 11

    Connect outer tie rod end to steering knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod end stud into the taper bore of the steering knuckle. Ensure the stud is fully seated in the taper. Install the castle nut onto the stud and tighten to the specified torque. If the castle nut slots do not align with the stud hole for the cotter pin, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole.
    ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align cotter pin holes. Always tighten to the next available slot.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install new cotter pin
    Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut slot and the tie rod end stud hole. Bend the cotter pin ends around the castle nut to secure it in place. Ensure the cotter pin is properly seated and cannot work loose.
13. 13

    Tighten tie rod jam nut
    Hold the outer tie rod end body with a wrench to prevent it from turning. Tighten the jam nut clockwise against the outer tie rod end to the specified torque. Verify that the outer tie rod end did not rotate during jam nut tightening by checking your alignment reference marks.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 13 for the opposite side of the vehicle, replacing both the inner and outer tie rod ends using the same procedures and torque specifications.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Position the front wheels onto the wheel hubs and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to the specified torque. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, perform a final torque verification of all lug nuts in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
2. New cotter pins must be used; never reuse old cotter pins.
3. Steering gear boots must be properly seated and clamped to prevent contamination and grease loss.

Verification

• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify full range of motion without binding or unusual noises.
• Visually inspect all tie rod end connections to ensure castle nuts are properly torqued and cotter pins are installed.
• Check that steering gear boots are properly seated with no visible tears or displacement.
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately. The vehicle should be driven directly to an alignment facility as toe settings will be significantly altered.
• After alignment, test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify straight-line tracking and proper steering response.

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