This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the outer tie rod end on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbo engine, including proper torque specifications and alignment preparation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end (left or right as needed) × 1 — 53540-TBA-A03 (left) or 53560-TBA-A03 (right)
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

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, but do not remove
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
5. Remove wheel completely from side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position
   Before removing the outer tie rod end, measure and record the distance from the inner tie rod end lock nut to the outer tie rod end tip. Alternatively, count the number of visible threads on the tie rod shaft and record this number. Mark the position of the lock nut on the tie rod threads with a paint pen for reference. This preserves approximate toe alignment.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the cotter pin at the tie rod end ball stud where it connects to the steering knuckle. Straighten the cotter pin ends and remove it completely using pliers or a cotter pin removal tool. Discard the old cotter pin. Using a 17mm wrench, loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end castle nut.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod end from knuckle
   With the castle nut loosened but still threaded on a few turns (to protect the threads), use a tie rod end separator tool or pickle fork to break the taper connection between the tie rod ball stud and the steering knuckle. Apply force until the tie rod end separates from the knuckle. Remove the castle nut completely once separated.
   ⚠Keep the castle nut threaded on several turns while using the separator tool to prevent the tie rod from violently separating and causing injury.
4. 4

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Using a 22mm wrench, loosen the lock nut securing the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod shaft. You may need to apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak if the lock nut is seized. Do not remove the lock nut completely yet.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod end
   While holding the lock nut in place with one wrench, unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod shaft by rotating it counterclockwise. Count the number of rotations required for removal, or verify that your measurement marks are clear. Remove both the outer tie rod end and the lock nut from the tie rod shaft. Clean the tie rod shaft threads with a wire brush.
6. 6

   Install new outer tie rod end
   Thread the lock nut onto the inner tie rod shaft first, positioning it approximately where it was marked. Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the tie rod shaft clockwise, using the same number of rotations noted during removal, or matching your measurement marks. The tie rod end should be positioned approximately the same distance from the lock nut as the original.
7. 7

   Connect tie rod end to knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle taper. Ensure the stud seats fully into the knuckle hole. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. The castle nut slots must align with the hole in the ball stud for cotter pin installation.
   ℹ️If castle nut slots do not align with the cotter pin hole at specified torque, tighten further up to 1/6 turn (60 degrees) maximum to achieve alignment. Never loosen to align.
   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 slots and the ball stud hole. Bend the cotter pin ends around the castle nut to secure it properly. Ensure the cotter pin cannot work loose.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel
   Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final torque of lock nut after alignment
    The tie rod lock nut should NOT be torqued to final specification until after a professional wheel alignment is performed. Inform the alignment technician that the tie rod lock nut requires final torque to 64 Nm (48 lb-ft) after alignment adjustments are complete. If performing your own rough alignment, adjust toe as needed, then torque the lock nut to specification.
    ⚠Driving the vehicle with improper toe alignment can cause rapid tire wear and unstable handling. Limit driving to low speeds when traveling to alignment shop.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut64 Nm (48 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify the new cotter pin is properly installed and secured
2. Check that all fasteners are tightened to specification
3. Ensure the tie rod end dust boot is not torn or damaged
4. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands

Verification

• Verify the tie rod end ball stud has no play or movement in the steering knuckle
• Check that the steering wheel can turn fully lock-to-lock without binding
• Visually inspect that the tie rod end is properly seated in the knuckle taper
• Schedule and complete a professional four-wheel alignment as soon as possible
• After alignment, test drive at low speed to verify proper steering operation and straight-line tracking

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