Tie Rod End - Inner

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, requiring rack removal from the subframe.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM Honda part or equivalent
• Tie rod end jam nut × 1 — Often included with inner tie rod
• Steering rack mounting bolts (if reuse not recommended) × 2 — Check service manual
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM Honda O-rings

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove front wheel completely
6. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are straight
7. Apply penetrating oil to all tie rod threads and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position and remove outer tie rod
   Using a paint marker or tape measure, carefully mark or measure the exact position of the outer tie rod end relative to the inner tie rod threads. Count the number of visible threads. Loosen but do not remove the tie rod lock nut (jam nut) between the inner and outer tie rod. Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod castle nut at the steering knuckle. Remove the castle nut and use a tie rod separator to disconnect the outer tie rod from the knuckle. Unscrew the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod, counting the turns for reference.
2. 2

   Access steering rack mounting area
   From under the vehicle, locate the steering rack assembly mounted to the front subframe. You may need to remove the front engine undercover or splash shield for better access. Identify the steering rack mounting bolts/brackets that secure the rack to the subframe.
3. 3

   Disconnect power steering pressure sensor connector
   Locate the EPS (Electric Power Steering) sensor connector on the steering rack assembly. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Secure the connector out of the way to prevent damage during rack removal.
4. 4

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts
   Using a socket and breaker bar if necessary, remove the two steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the front subframe. Support the steering rack with one hand or have an assistant support it as you remove the bolts. Note the position of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   ⚠The steering rack is heavy and awkward. Support it carefully to prevent it from falling or damaging brake lines and other components.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Lower and position rack for inner tie rod access
   Carefully lower the steering rack assembly slightly from the subframe. You do not need to completely remove it from the vehicle. Rotate and position the rack to provide clear access to the inner tie rod end on the side being serviced. The inner tie rod connects directly to the steering rack housing.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod boot and clamps
   Cut or remove the boot clamps securing the rubber bellows boot to the steering rack housing and inner tie rod. Slide the boot away from the inner tie rod connection point to expose the tie rod threads and the staked lock washer or locking mechanism at the rack housing.
7. 7

   Remove inner tie rod end from rack
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool or large adjustable wrench, grip the flats on the inner tie rod body (not the threaded portion). The inner tie rod is typically staked or locked to the rack housing. You may need to use a chisel or punch to unstake the locking tab first. Turn counterclockwise to unscrew the inner tie rod from the steering rack. Remove the old tie rod and inspect the rack threads for damage.
   ⚠Do not grip the threaded portion of the tie rod as this will damage the threads. Use only the wrench flats provided on the tie rod body.
8. 8

   Prepare and install new inner tie rod
   Clean the threads on the steering rack housing with a wire brush. Apply a light coat of clean grease to the rack threads. Thread the new inner tie rod into the steering rack housing by hand first, then tighten using the inner tie rod tool. Torque according to manufacturer specifications (typically 64-74 Nm, though specific inner tie rod torque may vary). Stake or lock the inner tie rod according to the new part's design - some use a lock washer that must be bent, others use a staking collar.
9. 9

   Reinstall tie rod boot
   Slide the rubber bellows boot over the inner tie rod and position it correctly on the steering rack housing. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely. Ensure the boot is not twisted and is properly seated on both ends to prevent contamination of the rack.
10. 10

    Reinstall steering rack to subframe
    Carefully lift the steering rack assembly back into position on the front subframe. Align the mounting holes and install the steering rack mounting bolts with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Torque the bolts to specification in an even pattern.
    Torque spec

    Rack Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect EPS sensor
    Reconnect the electric power steering sensor electrical connector to the steering rack. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click.
12. 12

    Install outer tie rod end
    Thread the outer tie rod end back onto the inner tie rod to the same position marked during disassembly (same number of threads showing or turns counted). Do not tighten the jam nut yet. Insert the outer tie rod ball stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud. If the slots do not align with the cotter pin hole, tighten the nut slightly more (never loosen to align).
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Nut52 Nm (38 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. 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. Do NOT torque the tie rod lock nut (jam nut) until after professional wheel alignment is completed
2. Reinstall any splash shields or undercovers that were removed
3. After alignment, the tie rod lock nut must be torqued to 64 Nm (48 lb-ft)

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary - listen for any unusual noises
• Check that the EPS warning light does not illuminate on the dashboard
• Verify there is no play or looseness in the tie rod connection by having an assistant turn the steering wheel slightly while you observe the tie rod movement
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering response is normal with no pulling
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately - vehicle will not track properly without alignment after inner tie rod replacement
• After alignment, verify the tie rod lock nut has been torqued to specification by the alignment shop

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