This procedure covers removal and replacement of both outer tie rod ends on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, including proper alignment reference marking.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Honda OEM 53540-TBA-A01 or equivalent
• Outer tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Honda OEM 53540-TBA-A01 or equivalent
• Cotter pins (split pins) × 2 — 3mm x 40mm or OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer frame lift points
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray all tie rod threads, castle nuts, and lock nuts with penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark alignment reference on driver side
   Before loosening anything, measure and record the exposed thread length from the lock nut to the end of the inner tie rod threads. Use paint marker to draw a line across the outer tie rod end and the inner tie rod threads to mark rotational position. Count and record the number of visible threads beyond the outer tie rod end. This reference will help maintain approximate alignment.
2. 2

   Remove driver side cotter pin and castle nut
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut using cotter pin pliers. Discard the old cotter pin. Remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud. Do not reuse the castle nut if it shows wear or damage.
3. 3

   Separate driver side tie rod end from knuckle
   Use a tie rod end separator tool to press the tie rod end stud out of the steering knuckle. Position the separator correctly to avoid damaging the ball joint boot. If using a pickle fork, be aware this is a destructive method only suitable when replacing the tie rod. Apply steady pressure until the taper releases with an audible pop.
   ⚠Do not strike the tie rod end threads with a hammer as this will damage the threads and make installation difficult.
4. 4

   Remove driver side tie rod lock nut and outer tie rod
   Loosen the jam lock nut that secures the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod shaft using a 17mm wrench while holding the tie rod end with a 21mm wrench to prevent rotation. Once loose, count the number of complete turns as you unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. Record this count for installation reference. Remove the lock nut and outer tie rod end completely.
5. 5

   Prepare and install new driver side tie rod end
   Clean the inner tie rod threads with a wire brush and inspect for damage. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the inner tie rod threads. Thread the jam lock nut onto the inner tie rod first, followed by the new outer tie rod end. Thread the outer tie rod end the same number of turns that were counted during removal, aligning with the paint mark if possible. Do not tighten the lock nut yet.
6. 6

   Install driver side tie rod end to knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. The castle nut slots must align with the stud hole for cotter pin installation. If slots do not align, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) until the next slot aligns. Insert a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
   ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align cotter pin holes. Only tighten to next slot if needed.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark alignment reference on passenger side
   Repeat the alignment reference marking process on the passenger side. Measure exposed thread length, mark the rotational position with paint marker across the outer tie rod and inner tie rod threads, and count visible threads. Record all measurements.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side cotter pin and castle nut
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the passenger side tie rod end castle nut. Discard the old cotter pin. Remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud.
9. 9

   Separate passenger side tie rod end from knuckle
   Use the tie rod end separator tool to press the passenger side tie rod end stud out of the steering knuckle. Apply steady pressure until the taper releases. Remove the tie rod end from the knuckle arm.
10. 10

    Remove passenger side tie rod lock nut and outer tie rod
    Loosen the jam lock nut using a 17mm wrench while holding the tie rod end with a 21mm wrench. Count the number of complete turns as you unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. Record this count. Remove the lock nut and outer tie rod end completely.
11. 11

    Prepare and install new passenger side tie rod end
    Clean the inner tie rod threads with a wire brush. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads. Thread the jam lock nut onto the inner tie rod first, then thread the new outer tie rod end the same number of turns counted during removal, aligning with reference marks. Do not tighten the lock nut yet.
12. 12

    Install passenger side tie rod end to knuckle
    Insert the passenger side tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Ensure castle nut slots align with the stud hole, tightening slightly if needed for alignment. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends securely.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires contact 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. Do not torque the tie rod lock nuts until after professional wheel alignment is completed
2. After alignment, torque both tie rod lock nuts to 64 Nm (48 lb-ft)
3. Verify both cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent backing out
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response before returning to normal service

Verification

• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight
• Check that both tie rod end castle nuts are properly torqued and cotter pins are secure
• Confirm no play exists in either tie rod end by attempting to move the wheel in and out with the wheel off the ground
• Have a professional wheel alignment performed and verify tie rod lock nuts are torqued to 64 Nm (48 lb-ft) after alignment
• Road test vehicle to confirm proper steering feel and no pulling to either side

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