Replace the outer tie rod end on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast. Note that this Cybertruck uses steer-by-wire — the tie rods still mechanically link the rack to the knuckles, but alignment must be verified afterward via Tesla service procedures because the system relies on precise positional calibration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end assembly (Cybertruck-specific) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified outer tie rod end for 2024 Cybertruck Tri Motor — refer to Tesla EPC
• Castle nut cotter pin × 1 — New cotter pin sized for tie rod castle nut

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 — ensure you follow the correct disconnection procedure for the 48V system).
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are 800V 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. Place the vehicle in service / jack mode via the touchscreen to disable air suspension self-leveling BEFORE disconnecting LV power.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle at Tesla-specified lift points and support securely on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the front wheel on the side being serviced.
10. Center the steering rack visually (wheels straight ahead) and do not allow the rack to rotate during the repair.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and clean the tie rod assembly
   Wire-brush dirt and corrosion from the threaded portion of the inner tie rod, the jam nut, and the castle nut on the outer tie rod end. Apply penetrating oil to the jam nut threads and let it soak. This prevents galling when loosening the jam nut.
2. 2

   Mark the jam nut position
   Using a paint marker, mark the exact position of the jam nut on the inner tie rod threads, and count the number of exposed threads between the jam nut and the outer tie rod end. This preserves an approximate toe setting and allows the truck to be driven safely to alignment.
   ℹ️This is a reference only — a professional alignment is still required.
3. 3

   Remove the cotter pin and loosen the castle nut
   Straighten and pull the cotter pin from the castle nut at the steering knuckle using needle-nose pliers. Discard the cotter pin — it must be replaced with a new one. Loosen the castle nut but do not fully remove it yet; leave it on the last few threads to protect the stud from the separator and to catch the tie rod when it releases.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle
   Use a tie rod end puller or ball joint separator tool to release the tapered stud from the steering knuckle. A pickle fork may be used but will likely damage the boot — acceptable only if replacing the part. Once it pops loose, fully remove the castle nut and lift the stud out of the knuckle.
   ⚠Do not use the tapered stud as a lever to free the joint — strike or press only on tooling.
5. 5

   Loosen the jam nut
   Hold the inner tie rod with a wrench (flats are typically provided near the jam nut) and break loose the jam nut. Back the jam nut away from the outer tie rod end by about one turn — do NOT move it past your reference mark.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the outer tie rod end
   Counting the exact number of rotations, unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. Record this number — you will thread the new outer tie rod on by the same number of turns to preserve the approximate toe setting.
7. 7

   Install the new outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod by the same number of rotations recorded during removal. Verify the jam nut sits at your paint reference mark. Hand-tighten the jam nut against the new tie rod end for now — final torque happens after alignment.
8. 8

   Reconnect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle
   Insert the tapered stud through the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. If the castellation does not align with the cotter pin hole, tighten further (never loosen) until alignment is achieved. Install a new cotter pin and bend the legs to retain.
   ⚠Use a NEW cotter pin every time. Reusing a cotter pin can result in steering separation.
   Torque spec

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

   Snug the jam nut
   With the outer tie rod end secured to the knuckle, snug the jam nut against the outer tie rod. Final torque is applied AFTER the wheel alignment, when the toe is set.
   ℹ️Do not fully torque the jam nut yet — alignment technician will set toe and then torque.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery following the correct Cybertruck reconnection sequence.
5. Exit jack mode / service mode via the touchscreen and allow the air suspension to re-level.
6. Drive carefully and slowly to an alignment shop — do not drive at highway speed until alignment is verified.

Verification

• Visually confirm the new cotter pin is installed and bent over on the castle nut.
• Confirm no play in the new tie rod end by grasping the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock and rocking — no clunk or lateral movement should be present.
• Have a four-wheel alignment performed immediately. After toe is set, torque the Tie Rod Lock Nut to specification.
• Because this vehicle uses steer-by-wire, after alignment verify the steering is centered and that no DTCs are present. A steering angle / steer-by-wire calibration via Tesla Service procedures may be required if the yoke is off-center or if any steering fault appears on the touchscreen.
• Test drive at low speed first, listening for clunks and confirming the vehicle tracks straight with no pull.
• Torque wrench reference: Wheel Lug Nuts 136 Nm, Tie Rod End Castle Nut 55 Nm, Tie Rod Lock Nut 68 Nm (after alignment).

More procedures for this vehicle