Replacement of an outer tie rod assembly on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast. Note: Cybertruck uses steer-by-wire — the steering rack receives electronic input only, but tie rod geometry still controls front toe and must be aligned after replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tie rod assembly (outer, manufacturer-specified for Cybertruck) × 1 — OEM Cybertruck tie rod assembly — refer to Tesla EPC
• Castle nut cotter pin × 1 — OEM-spec cotter pin sized to castle nut
• Castle nut (if not supplied with tie rod) × 1 — OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 48V low-voltage battery (Cybertruck uses 48V LV — NOT 12V like other Teslas). Refer to the Tesla Service Manual for exact LV battery location and disconnect sequence on Cybertruck.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Enter Service Mode / Jack Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting LV power, so the air suspension does not attempt to self-level during lift.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jacking points and support on jack stands rated for Cybertruck weight.
9. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.
10. Turn the steered wheel by hand to expose the tie rod end (since steer-by-wire is depowered, the rack will not assist — wheels must be turned mechanically via the hub).

Procedure

1. 1

   Document existing tie rod position
   Using a paint marker, mark the inner tie rod threads where the lock nut currently sits, and count/measure the exposed thread length. This gives a starting toe reference and reduces alignment time. Photograph the assembly for reference.
2. 2

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Hold the inner tie rod flats with a wrench and break loose the lock nut where the outer tie rod threads into the inner. Do not fully remove yet — just crack it free.
   ⚠Do not rotate the inner tie rod against the rack — hold the inner flats stationary while turning the lock nut to avoid damaging the rack bellows or internal seals.
3. 3

   Remove cotter pin and castle nut at steering knuckle
   Straighten and extract the cotter pin from the tie rod end stud at the steering knuckle. Discard the cotter pin (single-use). Remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud.
   ℹ️A new cotter pin is required on reassembly. Do not reuse.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Use a screw-type tie rod separator (preferred) or a pickle fork to release the tapered stud from the steering knuckle. A screw-type tool is preferred to avoid damaging the boot if the tie rod is being inspected for reuse.
   ⚠Do not strike the steering knuckle or any stainless body panel with a hammer. Cybertruck panels are structural and easily damaged.
5. 5

   Count rotations and unthread outer tie rod
   While counting full turns, unthread the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod. Record the count — installing the new tie rod with the same number of turns will produce a near-correct toe and minimize alignment correction.
6. 6

   Inspect inner tie rod and rack boot
   With the outer removed, inspect the inner tie rod threads, the rack boot for tears, and the boot clamps. Replace boot or clamps if damaged — refer to Tesla Service Manual for boot replacement procedure if needed.
7. 7

   Thread new outer tie rod onto inner
   Install the lock nut onto the inner tie rod threads (do not tighten yet). Thread the new outer tie rod onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns counted during removal. Align the stud orientation to drop into the steering knuckle without binding.
8. 8

   Seat tie rod end stud in knuckle and torque castle nut
   Insert the tapered stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. If the castle nut slots do not align with the cotter pin hole, tighten further (never loosen) until the next slot aligns. Install a NEW cotter pin and bend the legs over per OEM practice.
   ⚠️Never back off the castle nut to align the cotter pin hole — only tighten further. A loose tie rod end can cause loss of steering control.
   Torque spec

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

   Snug lock nut (final torque after alignment)
   Snug the inner-to-outer lock nut against the outer tie rod by hand-wrench feel only. Final torque is applied AFTER the alignment shop sets toe. Do not torque to final spec yet.
   ℹ️Final torque on the lock nut is per the verified spec and must be applied after alignment is set.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the front wheel and hand-thread the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle fully to the ground.
2. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to the verified spec.
3. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery following Tesla-specified reconnect sequence.
4. Exit Service / Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
5. Allow the air suspension to fully self-level before driving.
6. Drive the vehicle ONLY onto a trailer or directly to an alignment rack — do NOT drive on public roads with unset toe.
7. Perform four-wheel alignment. Cybertruck rear wheels are also steered electronically (rear steer-by-wire) — alignment must use a Tesla-approved procedure that accounts for rear steering.
8. After alignment is verified correct, torque the Tie Rod Lock Nut to the verified spec while holding the outer tie rod stationary.

Verification

• Confirm new cotter pin is installed at the tie rod end castle nut and legs are properly bent.
• Verify no play at the tie rod end by hand — grip the tire at 9 and 3 o'clock and rock; there should be no clunk or lateral free play.
• Confirm rack boot is intact, properly seated, and clamps are secure.
• Confirm alignment printout shows front toe within Tesla Cybertruck specification.
• After LV reconnect, check the touchscreen for any chassis, steering, or suspension fault codes. Steer-by-wire faults must be resolved before the vehicle is returned to service.
• Test drive at low speed first; confirm the yoke center matches straight-ahead travel and that the steer-by-wire system tracks correctly. Any pull, off-center yoke, or steering fault requires re-inspection.
• Note: Tie rod replacement is not on a scheduled interval, but this is a good opportunity to inspect the opposite-side tie rod, ball joints, and rack boots while the wheel is off.

More procedures for this vehicle