Tie Rod End - Inner

This procedure covers the replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, requiring rack and pinion access and wheel alignment upon completion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end lock nut × 1 — Replace if damaged
• Steering rack boot/bellows × 1 — Inspect and replace if torn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Power down the vehicle completely and remove the 12V battery negative terminal to ensure all systems are off
3. Measure and record current toe settings or mark the outer tie rod position on the threads for reference
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
5. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove the front wheel on the side requiring inner tie rod replacement
7. Center the steering wheel and lock it in place using a steering wheel lock to prevent rack movement

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the outer tie rod end at the steering knuckle. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the outer tie rod from the knuckle. Avoid damaging the steering knuckle threads or boot.
2. 2

   Loosen outer tie rod lock nut
   Using a wrench, loosen the lock nut that secures the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. Count and record the number of exposed threads or turns visible before loosening to aid in approximate realignment during reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by rotating counterclockwise. Count and record the exact number of turns required for complete removal to maintain approximate toe setting during reassembly.
4. 4

   Access steering rack boot
   Locate the steering rack boot (bellows) that covers the inner tie rod connection to the steering rack. Carefully peel back or remove the boot clamps using pliers or a clamp tool. Slide the boot away from the inner tie rod to expose the connection point at the rack.
5. 5

   Secure the steering rack
   Position a backup wrench or suitable tool on the steering rack flats near the inner tie rod connection to prevent the rack from rotating during inner tie rod removal. This is critical to avoid damaging the electric power steering mechanism or internal rack components.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod end
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool (typically a specialized crowfoot-style socket or clamshell tool), engage the flats on the inner tie rod body directly adjacent to the steering rack. Apply penetrating oil if necessary. Turn counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack while holding the rack stationary with the backup wrench.
7. 7

   Inspect steering rack and boot
   With the inner tie rod removed, inspect the steering rack threads for damage or wear. Check the steering rack boot for tears, cracks, or deterioration. Verify no contamination or excess moisture is present inside the boot. Replace the boot if any damage is found.
8. 8

   Prepare new inner tie rod
   Clean the threads on the new inner tie rod with a wire brush. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads that will engage with the steering rack. Ensure the correct inner tie rod (left or right side specific) is being installed.
9. 9

   Install new inner tie rod
   Thread the new inner tie rod into the steering rack by hand initially, turning clockwise. Once hand-tight, use the inner tie rod tool and backup wrench to tighten the inner tie rod. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, tighten firmly to manufacturer specification if available, or use equivalent replacement part installation guidelines. Typically this is in the 55-75 ft-lb range, but verify with service data.
10. 10

    Reinstall steering rack boot
    Slide the steering rack boot back over the inner tie rod connection, ensuring it seats properly in the grooves on both the rack housing and inner tie rod body. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely to prevent water and contaminant intrusion.
11. 11

    Install outer tie rod end
    Thread the outer tie rod end onto the new inner tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal. This provides an approximate starting point for alignment. Do not fully tighten the lock nut yet.
12. 12

    Connect outer tie rod to steering knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod ball stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification (verify with service data, typically 40-50 ft-lb for similar vehicles). Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (verify with service data, typically 140-150 ft-lb for Rivian vehicles). Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
2. Power on the vehicle and verify electric power steering functions without warning lights
3. Test steering operation for smooth movement and proper return to center
4. Tighten the outer tie rod lock nut once final alignment is confirmed

Verification

• Verify the steering wheel is centered when driving straight
• Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or looseness in the steering system
• Perform a complete wheel alignment at a qualified shop or using proper alignment equipment to set toe, camber, and caster to factory specifications
• Test drive the vehicle at various speeds to confirm proper steering response and no pulling to either side
• Inspect the steering rack boot for proper seating and secure clamps after test drive

More procedures for this vehicle