Tie Rod Assembly

This procedure covers the replacement of the outer tie rod end assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, including proper removal, installation, and preparation for alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification or quality aftermarket
• Castle nut cotter pin × 1 — Honda OEM cotter pin

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified points
6. Remove wheel completely and set aside
7. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod lock nut and castle nut threads if corrosion is present, allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position for pre-alignment reference
   Before loosening anything, use a paint marker or tape to mark the exact position where the outer tie rod threads into the inner tie rod assembly. Count and record the number of visible threads between the lock nut and the tie rod end body. Measure the distance from the center of the tie rod end ball stud to a fixed point on the inner tie rod. This reference will help approximate toe alignment during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the castle nut securing the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use diagonal cutters to cut and remove the cotter pin, then extract it completely with needle nose pliers. Using a 17mm socket or wrench, remove the castle nut completely from the tie rod end ball stud. Keep the area clean to prevent dirt from entering the ball joint taper.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Install a tie rod end separator tool or pickle fork between the tie rod end and steering knuckle. Apply steady pressure to break the taper fit. Alternatively, support the tie rod end with one hand and strike the side of the knuckle boss sharply with a hammer to shock the taper loose. Do not strike the tie rod threads. Once the taper is broken, remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
   ⚠If reusing the tie rod end, avoid using a pickle fork as it can damage the dust boot. Use a proper tie rod separator or the striking method instead.
4. 4

   Loosen and remove tie rod lock nut
   Using a 22mm wrench, loosen the lock nut that secures the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod shaft. Move this lock nut back toward the steering rack to expose the threaded connection. Do not remove it completely yet - keep it threaded on the inner tie rod to maintain your reference marks.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Counting the turns carefully, unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod shaft by rotating it counter-clockwise. Count each complete rotation as you remove it and record this number. This count, combined with your earlier marks, will help you install the new tie rod at approximately the same position. Once removed, inspect the inner tie rod threads for damage or corrosion and clean with a wire brush if necessary.
6. 6

   Prepare and install new tie rod end
   Thread the lock nut onto the new outer tie rod end first, positioning it near the threaded base. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the inner tie rod threads if desired (avoid getting any on taper surfaces). Thread the new tie rod end onto the inner tie rod shaft clockwise, counting the same number of turns you recorded during removal. Align the tie rod end with your reference marks to achieve approximately the same position as the original.
7. 7

   Install tie rod end into steering knuckle
   Ensure the ball stud taper and knuckle bore are clean and dry. Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle. Install the new castle nut and hand-thread it onto the ball stud. Using a torque wrench and 17mm socket, tighten the castle nut to specification. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until the nearest castle slot aligns with the ball stud hole.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new cotter pin
   Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud hole. Bend the legs of the cotter pin in opposite directions around the castle nut to secure it properly. Ensure the cotter pin is fully seated and cannot back out. Trim excess length if necessary, but ensure sufficient bend remains to prevent loosening.
9. 9

   Tighten tie rod lock nut
   Hold the outer tie rod end firmly to prevent it from rotating. Using a 22mm wrench, tighten the lock nut against the outer tie rod end body to the specified torque. This locks the tie rod end in position on the inner tie rod shaft. Verify that the tie rod end did not rotate during this process by checking your alignment marks.
   ℹ️This torque specification applies after final alignment. If you are driving to an alignment shop, tighten to specification but expect the shop may need to loosen and readjust.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut64 Nm (48 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Position the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but does not bear full weight. Using a torque wrench in a star pattern, tighten the wheel lug nuts to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final torque verification of lug nuts with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and the cotter pin is properly installed
2. Check that the tie rod end boot is not torn or twisted
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
4. Test steering wheel movement from lock to lock to verify no binding or interference

Verification

• With the vehicle on level ground, verify the steering wheel is centered and the wheels point straight ahead (they should be close to original position)
• Turn the steering wheel fully left and right to ensure smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Visually inspect the tie rod end connection to confirm the castle nut is tight and cotter pin is properly installed
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment as soon as possible - the vehicle is drivable but toe setting will be approximate only
• After alignment, verify the steering wheel is centered when driving straight and the vehicle does not pull to either side

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