Tie Rod End - Inner

Remove and replace the inner tie rod end on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disconnection from the steering rack and adjustment for proper alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Tie rod lock nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end cotter pin × 1 — Use 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 while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at proper support points
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position for reference
   Before disassembly, measure and record the exposed thread length between the inner tie rod end and the outer tie rod end, or make alignment marks with a paint pen across the tie rod body and jam nut. This measurement is critical for maintaining approximate toe alignment after reassembly. Use a tape measure to record the distance from the inner tie rod boot to the outer tie rod end, measuring along the threaded section.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Locate the castle nut securing the outer tie rod end ball stud to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin using pliers. Remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the outer tie rod end taper from the steering knuckle. Strike the separator tool firmly to break the taper free. Once separated, the outer tie rod end will remain attached to the inner tie rod.
3. 3

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Locate the lock nut (jam nut) where the outer tie rod threads onto the inner tie rod. This nut locks the two components together. Use a wrench to loosen this lock nut but do not remove it completely. This nut will travel with the outer tie rod when it is unscrewed from the inner tie rod.
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   While holding the inner tie rod end steady with a wrench on its flats (if accessible), unscrew the outer tie rod end by rotating it counterclockwise. Count the number of turns required to remove it, as this provides another reference point for reassembly. Remove the outer tie rod end and lock nut together.
5. 5

   Access and inspect inner tie rod mounting
   The inner tie rod end connects to the steering rack via a threaded socket or bolted joint. Pull back or cut the inner tie rod boot to access the connection point at the steering rack. Inspect the connection type: the Viper typically uses a threaded design where the inner tie rod screws into the rack end with a lock mechanism. Apply penetrating oil to the connection and allow it to soak.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod end from steering rack
   Using an inner tie rod tool (crowfoot wrench style) or large adjustable wrench, grip the flats on the inner tie rod body near the steering rack connection. Rotate counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. The inner tie rod should unscrew after breaking the initial torque. If a staking tab or locking mechanism is present, it may need to be bent back or released before the tie rod will turn. Remove the inner tie rod completely from the rack. Note: Inspect the connection type: verify against OEM service documentation whether the inner tie rod threads directly into the rack end housing and whether a jam nut, staking, or crimp-collar locking mechanism is used to secure it.
7. 7

   Prepare new inner tie rod end
   Clean the threads on the steering rack end where the new inner tie rod will install using a wire brush. Inspect for damage or cross-threading. Compare the new inner tie rod end to the old unit to verify correct replacement. Install the inner tie rod onto clean, dry rack threads unless OEM documentation specifies a particular thread treatment (such as a specified thread locker). Do not apply general-purpose lubricant to these threads, as it can affect proper torque and joint retention. Transfer the inner tie rod boot to the new tie rod if it was not included or if reusing the original boot.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod end to rack
   Thread the new inner tie rod end into the steering rack by hand, turning clockwise. Ensure it threads smoothly without cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use the inner tie rod tool or adjustable wrench to tighten the inner tie rod. Tighten firmly to the steering rack, ensuring full seating. If the design includes a staking point or locking tab, secure it according to OEM specifications after final tightening. Note: Torque specification not provided in the source data. Obtain the inner tie rod-to-rack torque value directly from the 2005 Dodge Viper OEM service manual before final tightening. Do not rely on an estimated value.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod end to inner tie rod
   Thread the outer tie rod end (with lock nut loosely in place) onto the new inner tie rod end, rotating clockwise. Use your reference marks or measurement from Step 1 to position the outer tie rod at approximately the same location as before removal. Thread it on for the same number of turns counted during removal, or match the exposed thread length recorded earlier. This provides a starting point for alignment.
10. 10

    Connect outer tie rod end to steering knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. The castellations must align with the hole in the ball stud for cotter pin installation. If alignment is not achieved at specification, tighten further (never loosen) until the next castellation aligns. Install a new cotter pin and bend the legs to secure.
    Torque spec

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

    Tighten tie rod lock nut
    Hold the outer tie rod end to prevent it from rotating. Tighten the lock nut (jam nut) against the inner tie rod end to the specified torque. This locks the adjustment in place. Do not allow the outer tie rod to rotate during this operation, as it will change your alignment reference.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub. Install the lug nuts and snug them in a star pattern while the vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps
2. Ensure the inner tie rod boot is properly seated and secured with clamps to prevent contamination of the steering rack
3. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification before test driving

Verification

• With vehicle on ground and engine off, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Inspect all connections for proper installation and torque
• Check for any fluid leaks around the steering rack boot area
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response and stability
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - the vehicle may pull significantly to one side until alignment is corrected

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