Tie Rod End - Outer

Replace the outer tie rod end on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including removal, installation, and preparation for alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced while vehicle is on the ground.
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack at appropriate jacking point and secure with jack stands.
4. Remove wheel completely and set aside.
5. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod end nut, lock nut threads, and steering knuckle taper if corrosion is visible. Allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position
   Before loosening anything, measure and record the exposed thread length from the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod assembly. Use a marker or paint pen to mark the position of the outer tie rod end on the inner tie rod threads. This reference will help maintain approximate alignment during installation.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin
   Locate the cotter pin securing the tie rod end castle nut at the steering knuckle. Straighten the cotter pin ends with needle nose pliers, then pull it out completely. Discard the old cotter pin as a new one must be used during reassembly.
3. 3

   Loosen tie rod end castle nut
   Using a 19mm socket, loosen and remove the tie rod end castle nut from the tie rod ball stud. Do not remove the nut completely yet; leave it threaded on a few turns to protect the threads and prevent the tie rod from dropping when separated.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Position a tie rod end separator or pickle fork between the steering knuckle and the tie rod end. Strike the separator firmly to break the taper connection. Once the taper is broken, remove the castle nut completely and separate the tie rod end from the knuckle. Support the tie rod to prevent strain on the steering rack.
   ⚠A pickle fork will damage the tie rod end boot. Only use if replacing the tie rod end. Use a proper tie rod separator for non-destructive removal.
5. 5

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Locate the lock nut securing the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod. Using a 21mm wrench, loosen the lock nut but do not remove it completely. This lock nut will slide along the inner tie rod shaft as you remove the outer tie rod end.
6. 6

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Count and record the number of turns as you unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod assembly. Turn the outer tie rod end counterclockwise to remove it completely. Keep the lock nut on the inner tie rod for reference. Clean the inner tie rod threads with a wire brush to remove corrosion and debris.
7. 7

   Prepare new tie rod end
   Thread the lock nut onto the new outer tie rod end, positioning it approximately where it was on the old part. Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the first few threads of the inner tie rod assembly where the outer tie rod end will engage.
8. 8

   Install new outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod assembly clockwise, using the same number of turns counted during removal. Align the reference marks made earlier. The tie rod end should be positioned similarly to the original. Do not tighten the lock nut yet.
9. 9

   Connect tie rod end to steering knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle taper. Ensure the stud is fully seated in the taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. The castle nut slots must align with the ball stud hole for cotter pin installation. If alignment is not achieved at proper torque, tighten further to the next slot alignment—never loosen to align.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new cotter pin
    Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud hole. Bend the cotter pin ends around the castle nut to secure it properly. Ensure the cotter pin cannot back out or interfere with any rotating components.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Position the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands to approximately 50% torque. Lower vehicle to the ground, then torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. The tie rod lock nut must NOT be torqued until after wheel alignment is completed.
2. After professional wheel alignment, torque the tie rod lock nut to 71 Nm (53 lb-ft).
3. Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured before driving.

Verification

• Verify tie rod end ball stud moves smoothly without binding when steering wheel is turned lock-to-lock.
• Check that cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent backing out.
• Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification.
• Schedule wheel alignment immediately—do not delay as improper toe setting will cause rapid tire wear.
• After alignment, verify tie rod lock nut has been torqued to 71 Nm (53 lb-ft).
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response and listen for any unusual noises.

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