Tie Rods - Both Sides

This procedure covers the removal and installation of both outer tie rod ends on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, requiring a post-service alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins × 2 — 2mm x 25mm

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground but do not remove
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands positioned on chassis frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod lock nuts and castle nuts if corrosion is present, allow 10 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position - driver side
   Before loosening anything, use a paint marker to mark the exact position of the outer tie rod end on the threaded portion of the inner tie rod. Count and record the number of visible threads between the lock nut and the tie rod end body. This reference will help maintain approximate toe alignment for driving to the alignment shop.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin and castle nut - driver side
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut using pliers or a cotter pin removal tool. Using a 19mm socket, remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud. Do not allow the stud to spin while removing the nut.
   ℹ️If castle nut slots do not align with cotter pin hole during reinstallation, tighten nut only (never loosen) to reach the next slot alignment.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate tie rod end from knuckle - driver side
   Install a tie rod end separator or pickle fork between the steering knuckle and tie rod end. Strike the separator tool with a hammer to break the taper connection. Alternatively, use a ball joint separator tool. Once the taper is broken, the tie rod end will drop free from the knuckle.
   ⚠The pickle fork method will damage the tie rod end boot. This is acceptable since the component is being replaced, but use a proper puller if attempting to preserve the tie rod end.
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod end - driver side
   Using a 22mm wrench on the lock nut and a 17mm wrench on the tie rod end flats, loosen the lock nut. Once loose, unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by turning counterclockwise. Count the number of complete turns required for removal and record this number.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut64 Nm (48 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install new tie rod end - driver side
   Clean the threads of the inner tie rod with a wire brush. Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod by turning clockwise. Use your paint mark and thread count as a guide. Thread the tie rod end the same number of turns as removal, aligning with your reference marks. This is a starting point only; professional alignment is still required.
6. 6

   Connect tie rod to knuckle - driver side
   Insert the tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper hole. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. The stud should pull fully into the taper during tightening. Check that castle nut slots align with the cotter pin hole.
   ℹ️Verify the tie rod end ball stud is fully seated in the knuckle taper before final torquing.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install cotter pin and adjust lock nut - driver side
   Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud hole. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure. Hand-tighten the tie rod lock nut against the outer tie rod end body, but do NOT torque to specification yet. Lock nut will be final torqued after alignment.
8. 8

   Mark tie rod position - passenger side
   Use a paint marker to mark the exact position of the passenger side outer tie rod end on the threaded portion of the inner tie rod. Count and record the number of visible threads between the lock nut and the tie rod end body.
9. 9

   Remove and replace passenger side tie rod end
   Repeat steps 2 through 7 for the passenger side tie rod end. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut, separate the tie rod end from the knuckle using a separator tool, loosen the lock nut, unthread the old tie rod end counting turns, install the new tie rod end using your reference marks, connect to the knuckle, torque the castle nut to specification, and install a new cotter pin. Leave the lock nut hand-tight only.
   ℹ️Ensure the tie rod end stud clicks or seats audibly into the knuckle taper when torquing the castle nut.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until tires just touch the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern while vehicle weight is on the ground. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify both cotter pins are properly installed and bent
2. Check that tie rod end boots are not torn or damaged during installation
3. Confirm all castle nuts are torqued and secured with new cotter pins
4. Test steering wheel for binding or unusual resistance before driving

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock with vehicle stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding
• Check for any loose components by attempting to move tie rod ends by hand with wheel reinstalled
• Schedule wheel alignment immediately - vehicle should not be driven except directly to alignment facility
• After alignment is complete, have technician torque both tie rod lock nuts to 64 Nm (48 lb-ft) specification
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight after alignment

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