Tie Rod End - Inner

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, requiring rack boot removal and measurement of tie rod length for alignment reference.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Rack boot (steering rack bellows) × 1 — Replace if damaged during removal
• Rack boot clamps × 2 — Set of 2 clamps per side
• Tie rod lock nut × 1 — 17mm - reuse if in good condition

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the affected side while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod lock nut and inner tie rod threads, allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Reference and mark tie rod position
   Before disassembly, measure and record the exact exposed thread length from the inner tie rod end to the outer tie rod end jam nut. Use a paint marker to mark the orientation and thread position on both the inner and outer tie rod. Measure from the edge of the rack boot to the center of the outer tie rod ball joint and record this measurement - this is critical for approximate alignment.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Loosen the tie rod lock nut (17mm) between the inner and outer tie rod but do not remove it completely. Count and record the number of visible threads. Unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod while keeping the lock nut in place as a reference point. The outer tie rod will unthread counterclockwise when viewed from the outer end.
3. 3

   Remove rack boot clamps
   Locate the two clamps securing the steering rack boot to the inner tie rod and to the steering rack housing. Use pliers to release or cut the clamps - these are typically band-type clamps. Carefully slide the rack boot off the inner tie rod end toward the steering rack to expose the inner tie rod connection.
   ⚠Inspect the rack boot carefully during removal. If torn or damaged, it must be replaced to prevent contamination of the steering rack.
4. 4

   Remove tie rod lock nut
   Remove the lock nut completely from the inner tie rod threads. This nut secures the inner tie rod to the steering rack. Clean the threads on the steering rack with a wire brush to remove any corrosion or debris.
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod end
   Using the inner tie rod removal tool (crow's foot style that fits over the rack housing), position the tool onto the flats of the inner tie rod end. Turn counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. The inner tie rod is threaded directly into the rack and pinion assembly. Continue turning until the inner tie rod is completely free.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force or impact tools as this can damage the steering rack internal components. If the tie rod is seized, apply more penetrating oil and allow additional soak time.
6. 6

   Prepare and install new inner tie rod
   Clean the threads in the steering rack housing thoroughly with a wire brush. Apply a light coat of clean grease to the threads of the new inner tie rod. Thread the new inner tie rod into the steering rack by hand, turning clockwise. Once hand-tight, use the inner tie rod tool to tighten the inner tie rod fully. Tighten firmly - the inner tie rod seats against an internal shoulder in the rack housing. Honda does not specify a torque value for the inner tie rod itself as it tightens to a mechanical stop.
7. 7

   Install lock nut
   Thread the lock nut onto the inner tie rod threads against the steering rack housing. Do not fully torque at this time - leave it hand-tight. This will be torqued after alignment.
8. 8

   Install rack boot
   Slide the rack boot (new or original if undamaged) over the inner tie rod end, ensuring it seats properly in the groove on the steering rack housing and extends to cover the threaded area of the inner tie rod. Install new clamps on both ends of the boot - one at the rack housing and one near the outer end of the inner tie rod. Tighten clamps securely using pliers, ensuring the boot is not twisted and has adequate clearance for full steering travel.
   ℹ️Ensure the boot is not pinched or twisted. The boot must move freely through full steering range without binding.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod to reference position
   Thread the outer tie rod end onto the new inner tie rod, using your reference marks and thread count to position it at approximately the same location as before removal. Ensure the same number of threads are exposed past the outer tie rod as originally recorded. Do not tighten the lock nut yet.
10. 10

    Verify measurements
    Measure the overall tie rod assembly length to confirm it matches your original measurement. Small variations are acceptable as precise alignment will be performed professionally, but gross differences indicate incorrect assembly. Verify the exposed thread count matches your reference.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. The tie rod lock nut should only be torqued to specification AFTER professional wheel alignment is completed
2. Verify the rack boot is properly sealed and not twisted before test driving
3. Check that all tools and parts have been removed from the work area

Verification

• Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Visually inspect rack boot installation to ensure it moves freely without interference through full steering range
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - vehicle should be driven carefully and slowly to alignment shop only
• After alignment, verify tie rod lock nut has been torqued to 64 Nm (48 lb-ft)
• Test drive vehicle after alignment to verify straight-line tracking and proper steering response

More procedures for this vehicle