Replace both inner and outer tie rod ends on the 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L, requiring wheel alignment upon completion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins × 4 — Size appropriate for tie rod castle nut

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts on both front wheels while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray all tie rod end nuts and threads with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Document existing tie rod position - driver side
   Before removing the outer tie rod end, measure and record the exact number of threads visible between the inner tie rod and the outer tie rod jam nut. Alternatively, measure the overall length from the center of the inner tie rod to the center of the outer tie rod ball joint. Mark the position with paint or a marker. This will help maintain approximate toe setting for the drive to the alignment shop.
2. 2

   Remove driver side outer tie rod end
   Using diagonal cutters, remove and discard the cotter pin from the outer tie rod castle nut at the steering knuckle. Remove the castle nut using a 19mm socket. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Loosen the tie rod lock nut (jam nut) between the inner and outer tie rod using a 21mm wrench. Unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod, counting the exact number of turns required for removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new driver side outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns counted during removal, or to match your recorded measurement. This should position it close to the original setting. Do not fully tighten the jam nut yet. Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle and install the castle nut. Torque to specification and install a new cotter pin. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) until they do.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove driver side inner tie rod end
   Hold the steering rack boot back to access the inner tie rod connection. Use adjustable pliers or a specialized inner tie rod tool to grip the flats on the inner tie rod end. Unscrew the inner tie rod end from the steering rack. Clean the threads on the steering rack with a wire brush before installing the new part.
5. 5

   Install new driver side inner tie rod end
   Thread the new inner tie rod end onto the steering rack by hand until it seats. Use the appropriate wrench or tool to tighten securely. The inner tie rod typically requires significant torque; ensure it is properly seated and tightened. Reposition the steering rack boot over the inner tie rod connection.
6. 6

   Document existing tie rod position - passenger side
   Repeat the measurement and documentation process on the passenger side. Measure threads visible or overall length from inner tie rod center to outer tie rod ball joint center. Mark the position for reference during reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side outer tie rod end
   Remove the cotter pin from the passenger side outer tie rod castle nut and discard. Remove the castle nut with a 19mm socket. Separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using a tie rod separator. Loosen the jam nut with a 21mm wrench. Unscrew and count the turns as you remove the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new passenger side outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod matching your turn count or measurement from removal. Leave the jam nut loose. Install the ball stud into the steering knuckle, install and torque the castle nut to specification, and install a new cotter pin. Tighten the castle nut slightly if needed for cotter pin alignment.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove passenger side inner tie rod end
   Pull back the steering rack boot on the passenger side to access the inner tie rod. Use adjustable pliers or inner tie rod tool to grip the flats and unscrew the inner tie rod from the steering rack. Clean the rack threads thoroughly with a wire brush.
10. 10

    Install new passenger side inner tie rod end
    Hand-thread the new inner tie rod end onto the steering rack until fully seated. Tighten securely using the appropriate tool, ensuring proper seating. Reposition the steering rack boot over the connection to protect against contamination.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the wheel 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)
12. 12

    Tighten tie rod jam nuts after alignment
    Do NOT tighten the tie rod lock nuts (jam nuts) at this time. Drive carefully and directly to an alignment shop. After the professional alignment is complete, the technician will torque the tie rod lock nuts to specification to secure the final adjustment.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut64 Nm (48 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all tie rod castle nuts have new cotter pins properly installed and bent
2. Ensure all connections are tight and secure before test driving
3. Check steering wheel for smooth operation with no binding through full range of motion

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area and verify steering response is normal
• Visually inspect all tie rod connections for proper installation and cotter pin installation
• Schedule and complete a professional four-wheel alignment immediately - vehicle is not safe for extended driving without proper alignment
• After alignment, verify tie rod lock nuts have been torqued to 64 Nm (48 lb-ft)
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after first 50-100 miles of driving

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