Tie Rod End - Inner

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500, requiring removal of the outer tie rod, steering gear boot, and inner tie rod assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Steering gear boot clamps × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Steering gear boot (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end lock nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locking compound × 1 — Medium strength (Loctite 243 or equivalent)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Open rear cargo doors to access 12V battery disconnect switch and turn to OFF position, wait 2 minutes for system to power down
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts on affected side while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front lift point and support with jack stands at frame rail lift points
6. Remove front wheel on affected side
7. Spray penetrating oil on outer tie rod jam nut, inner tie rod threads, and steering gear boot clamps if present for 10-15 minutes before starting work

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark alignment reference positions
   Using white paint marker, mark the position of the outer tie rod end relative to the inner tie rod threads. Count and record the exact number of exposed threads between the jam nut and outer tie rod end. Measure and record the total length from the center of the outer tie rod ball stud to the steering gear housing. These measurements are critical for approximate toe alignment.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle
   Remove the castle nut or lock nut securing the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball stud from the knuckle. If using a pickle fork, note that the outer tie rod boot may be damaged and require replacement. Strike the separator tool firmly with a hammer if necessary, but avoid striking the tie rod threads directly.
3. 3

   Loosen and remove outer tie rod
   Hold the inner tie rod housing steady with adjustable pliers or locking pliers while loosening the outer tie rod jam nut. Once loose, unthread the outer tie rod end completely from the inner tie rod, counting the exact number of turns for reference during reassembly. Keep the jam nut on the inner tie rod threads.
4. 4

   Remove steering gear boot clamps
   Locate the large and small boot clamps securing the steering gear boot to the inner tie rod housing and steering rack. Use needle nose pliers or side cutters to release or cut the clamps. Carefully slide the boot away from the inner tie rod to expose the inner tie rod connection point at the steering rack. Inspect boot condition and replace if torn or deteriorated.
5. 5

   Access inner tie rod lock mechanism
   Identify the inner tie rod locking mechanism type. Most Rivian applications use either a staked lock washer or a threaded lock with flat sections. If a staked lock is present, use a flat screwdriver or chisel to carefully unstake the locking tab from the groove in the steering rack threads. Clean away any debris from the connection area.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod assembly
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool (crows foot style wrench that grips the flats on the inner tie rod housing) or large adjustable pliers positioned on the wrench flats of the inner tie rod, unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. Turn counterclockwise while supporting the steering rack to prevent rotation. The initial break may require significant force. Once loosened, unthread completely by hand and remove the inner tie rod assembly with any washers or locking components.
7. 7

   Inspect steering rack threads and housing
   Examine the exposed steering rack threads for damage, cross-threading, or excessive wear. Use a wire brush to clean the threads of any corrosion or debris. Inspect the steering gear boot sealing surface on the rack for damage. Check for any grease leakage from the rack housing which may indicate rack seal failure requiring additional repairs.
8. 8

   Prepare and install new inner tie rod
   Apply a thin coat of thread locking compound (medium strength) to the steering rack threads. Thread the new inner tie rod assembly onto the steering rack by hand, ensuring it starts straight and does not cross-thread. Turn clockwise until hand-tight. Use the inner tie rod tool to tighten the inner tie rod fully against the steering rack shoulder. Without specific torque specifications available, tighten firmly until the inner tie rod is fully seated against the rack stop.
9. 9

   Install inner tie rod locking mechanism
   If the inner tie rod uses a staked lock washer, position the washer correctly and use a punch to stake the locking tab into the groove on the steering rack threads in at least two locations. Ensure the stake is secure and prevents rotation. If a threaded lock nut is used, tighten according to feel until very snug, then verify the inner tie rod cannot rotate.
10. 10

    Reinstall steering gear boot
    Slide the steering gear boot (new or existing if in good condition) over the inner tie rod housing and position it correctly on both the inner tie rod and steering rack housing. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits in the correct grooves. Install new boot clamps on both ends, positioning the small clamp on the inner tie rod side and the large clamp on the rack side. Tighten clamps securely using appropriate crimping tool or worm-drive clamp tool.
11. 11

    Install outer tie rod end
    Apply anti-seize compound to the clean inner tie rod threads. Thread the outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns recorded during disassembly, aligning with the paint marks made earlier. Thread the jam nut onto the inner tie rod behind the outer tie rod, but do not tighten yet. Verify the overall length measurement matches your initial recording.
12. 12

    Connect outer tie rod to steering knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod ball stud into the steering knuckle taper hole. Install the castle nut or lock nut and tighten firmly. Without specific torque values, tighten until the ball stud taper is fully seated and the nut is very tight (typically 40-60 ft-lbs on most vehicles). Install cotter pin if castle nut design, or ensure lock nut is properly seated.
13. 13

    Tighten jam nut
    Hold the outer tie rod end steady using a wrench on the flats near the ball stud housing. Tighten the jam nut firmly against the outer tie rod body until very tight, preventing any rotation of the outer tie rod on the inner tie rod threads. This typically requires significant force, approximately 40-50 ft-lbs.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel and thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading
2. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground to prevent wheel rotation
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to Rivian specification (typically 150 ft-lbs) in a star pattern
4. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands
5. Reconnect 12V battery by turning disconnect switch to ON position
6. Start vehicle and verify electric power steering system operates normally with no warning lights

Verification

• Turn steering wheel full lock to lock while stationary and listen for any unusual noises, binding, or clicking from the tie rod area
• Verify steering wheel returns to center smoothly without resistance
• Check that no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster related to steering or vehicle stability systems
• Inspect all connection points for proper seating and verify jam nut is tight against outer tie rod
• Perform visual inspection of steering gear boot for proper installation without twisting or gaps
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify straight-line tracking, noting any pull to either side
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - this repair will affect toe alignment and tire wear if not corrected
• After alignment, verify total toe specification is within Rivian factory specification and steering wheel is centered
• Some Rivian models may require steering angle sensor calibration using Rivian diagnostic software after tie rod replacement - verify with dealer service department or Rivian service documentation

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