This procedure covers the replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L, requiring removal of the outer tie rod and proper torquing of lock nuts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification for 2015 Forte
• Outer tie rod lock nut × 1 — Replace if damaged
• Cotter pin for outer tie rod × 1 — Standard automotive cotter pin
• Steering rack boot clamp × 1 — Replace if damaged during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on all tie rod threads and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod cotter pin and nut
   Remove and discard the cotter pin from the outer tie rod castle nut using pliers. Using a 19mm wrench, remove the tie rod end nut from the steering knuckle. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Nut52 Nm (38 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate outer tie rod from knuckle
   Using a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork, separate the outer tie rod ball joint from the steering knuckle. Strike the tool sharply to break the taper. Avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing the outer tie rod.
3. 3

   Mark tie rod position for reference
   Before loosening the lock nut, use a paint marker to mark the position of the outer tie rod relative to the inner tie rod threads, or measure the exposed thread length. This reference helps maintain approximate alignment settings.
4. 4

   Loosen and remove tie rod lock nut
   Using a 17mm wrench, loosen the jam/lock nut that secures the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. Thread the lock nut toward the steering rack but leave it on the inner tie rod threads. Count and record the number of turns required to remove the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by turning it counterclockwise. Count the rotations as you remove it to aid in installation of the new assembly to approximate the same position.
6. 6

   Remove steering rack boot clamp
   Locate the steering rack boot clamp at the inner tie rod connection. Using boot clamp pliers or appropriate tool, release and remove the clamp securing the boot to the inner tie rod. Slide the boot toward the steering rack to expose the inner tie rod connection.
7. 7

   Remove inner tie rod end
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool (crowfoot wrench style) or large adjustable wrench, grip the flats on the inner tie rod end. While holding the steering rack stationary, turn the inner tie rod counterclockwise to unthread it from the rack. The rack may need to be held with another wrench on the flat sections to prevent rotation.
   ⚠Do not allow the steering rack to rotate excessively during inner tie rod removal as this can damage internal components.
8. 8

   Clean threads and inspect components
   Clean the threads on the steering rack with a wire brush. Inspect the rack threads for damage. Check the steering rack boot for tears or damage and replace if necessary. Verify the new inner tie rod matches the old part in thread pitch and length.
9. 9

   Install new inner tie rod
   Apply a light coating of clean power steering fluid to the rack threads. Thread the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack by hand, then tighten to specification using the inner tie rod tool. Ensure it is fully seated and tight. Note: While no specific torque is provided for the inner tie rod to rack connection, ensure it is very tight (typically 65-75 ft-lbs for similar applications).
   ℹ️Hand-tighten first to ensure threads engage properly without cross-threading.
10. 10

    Reinstall steering rack boot
    Slide the steering rack boot back over the inner tie rod end until it seats properly in its groove. Install a new boot clamp and crimp or tighten securely. Ensure the boot is not twisted and is properly sealed to prevent dirt and moisture entry.
11. 11

    Install outer tie rod end
    Thread the outer tie rod (reused or new) onto the new inner tie rod the same number of turns counted during removal, aligning with your reference marks. This provides an approximate starting point for alignment. Do not tighten the lock nut yet.
12. 12

    Connect outer tie rod to knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod ball stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. The castellations must align with the cotter pin hole. If needed, tighten slightly additional (never loosen) to align the castle nut slots with the hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts 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. The tie rod lock nut should NOT be torqued until after a professional wheel alignment is performed
2. After alignment, torque the tie rod lock nut to 64 Nm (48 lb-ft) while holding the outer tie rod to prevent rotation
3. Verify the steering rack boot is properly sealed with no tears or loose clamps

Verification

• Test steering for full lock-to-lock operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Check that the outer tie rod ball joint has no play or looseness
• Verify the cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent loosening
• Have vehicle professionally aligned as soon as possible after repair
• After alignment, verify the lock nut is torqued to specification and the boot clamp is secure

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