Tie Rod End - Inner

Replace the inner tie rod end on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring removal of the outer tie rod and steering rack boot to access the inner tie rod connection at the steering rack.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification or Moog EV800871 equivalent
• Outer tie rod end lock nut × 1 — Reuse if undamaged or replace with OEM
• Steering rack boot (if damaged) × 1 — Replace if torn during removal
• Boot clamps (if replacing boot) × 2 — OEM or equivalent clamps

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Chock the rear wheels securely.
3. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
4. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support securely on jack stands positioned under the frame rails.
5. Remove the front wheel on the side being serviced.
6. Spray penetrating oil on the outer tie rod jam nut, the outer tie rod ball stud castle nut, and the inner tie rod connection at the steering rack. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position for reference
   Before loosening any fasteners, measure and record the exposed thread length between the outer tie rod end and the jam nut on the inner tie rod. Use a paint marker or masking tape to mark the exact rotational position of the outer tie rod relative to the inner tie rod threads. This reference will help restore approximate toe alignment during reassembly.
2. 2

   Loosen outer tie rod jam nut
   Using a 19mm wrench or socket, loosen the jam nut that secures the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. Do not remove it completely yet; just break it loose and back it off several turns. You may need to hold the inner tie rod with pliers to prevent it from rotating while loosening the jam nut.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod ball stud castle nut. Using a 19mm socket, remove the castle nut from the ball stud. Use a tie rod end separator (pickle fork or ball joint separator) to separate the ball stud taper from the steering knuckle. Strike the separator tool firmly to break the taper connection. Once separated, support the tie rod assembly to prevent damage to the steering rack boot.
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Count and record the number of turns required as you unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod threads. Thread the outer tie rod counterclockwise off the inner tie rod completely. Remove the jam nut from the inner tie rod threads and set aside for reuse or replacement.
5. 5

   Remove steering rack boot
   Locate the steering rack boot that covers the inner tie rod connection to the steering rack. Remove the boot clamps at both ends of the boot using pliers or by cutting them off if they are crimp-style clamps. Slide the boot off the steering rack housing toward the tie rod end to expose the inner tie rod threaded connection and locking mechanism.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod locking mechanism
   Inspect the inner tie rod connection. The inner tie rod may be secured by a staked collar, tab/lock washer, or jam feature depending on the rack design; identify the specific locking method used on this steering rack before proceeding. Bend back or straighten the locking tab using pliers to unlock the inner tie rod from the steering rack threads.
7. 7

   Remove inner tie rod from steering rack
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool (crow's foot style or adjustable pliers-style tool designed for this purpose), engage the flats on the inner tie rod body directly adjacent to the steering rack housing. Turn counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. The inner tie rod may require significant force to break free initially. Remove the inner tie rod completely and remove any old locking washer or tab washer.
8. 8

   Clean steering rack threads
   Inspect the steering rack threads where the inner tie rod was installed. Use a wire brush to clean any debris, corrosion, or old thread-locking compound from the threads. Inspect the threads for damage; if threads are damaged, the steering rack may require replacement.
9. 9

   Install new inner tie rod
   Thread the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack by hand, turning clockwise. Ensure the tie rod threads engage smoothly without cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use the inner tie rod removal tool to tighten the inner tie rod. Tighten until the inner tie rod is fully seated against the steering rack housing with firm resistance. Apply the manufacturer-specified inner tie rod torque per the 2008 Viper factory service manual (verify exact spec before final tightening).
10. 10

    Install new locking mechanism
    Install the new locking tab washer or staking washer onto the inner tie rod connection. Bend or stake the locking tab into the notch or slot on the steering rack housing to prevent the inner tie rod from backing out. Ensure the locking mechanism is secure and properly engaged.
11. 11

    Reinstall steering rack boot
    Inspect the steering rack boot for tears or damage. If damaged, replace with a new boot. Slide the boot over the inner tie rod threads and position it correctly on the steering rack housing and on the inner tie rod body. Install new boot clamps at both ends of the boot and tighten securely using pliers to crimp or a clamp tool. Ensure the boot is not twisted and is properly sealed to prevent contamination of the steering rack.
12. 12

    Install outer tie rod onto inner tie rod
    Thread the jam nut onto the inner tie rod threads first, leaving it loose. Thread the outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod clockwise, using the turn count or reference marks from disassembly to position it approximately in the original location. Thread the outer tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal.
13. 13

    Connect outer tie rod to steering knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod ball stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut onto the ball stud and tighten to the manufacturer-specified torque per the 2008 Viper factory service manual. Continue tightening if necessary to align the castle nut slots with the ball stud cotter pin hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
14. 14

    Tighten jam nut
    While holding the outer tie rod end with pliers or a wrench to prevent rotation, tighten the jam nut against the outer tie rod body using a 19mm wrench. Tighten the jam nut securely to the manufacturer-specified torque per the 2008 Viper factory service manual to lock the outer tie rod position.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the wheel just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer-specified value per the 2008 Viper factory service manual in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are properly torqued and cotter pins are installed.
2. Verify the steering rack boot is properly sealed with no tears or gaps.
3. Check that the jam nut is tight against the outer tie rod to prevent loosening.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while listening for any unusual noises or binding in the steering system.
• Visually inspect the tie rod connection at the steering knuckle to confirm the ball stud is properly seated and the castle nut is secure with cotter pin installed.
• Check that the steering rack boot is properly positioned and sealed.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response. The vehicle will likely pull to one side due to altered toe alignment.
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment immediately, as toe settings will be out of specification after this repair.

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