Tie Rod End - Inner

Replace the inner tie rod end on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor AWD. Because the Cybertruck uses steer-by-wire with no mechanical column linkage, this job is mechanically similar to a conventional rack tie rod — but a four-wheel alignment and steering angle calibration are mandatory afterward.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end (Cybertruck-specific, left or right as needed) × 1 — OEM Tesla Cybertruck inner tie rod — confirm side and revision via VIN
• Cotter pin for outer tie rod castle nut × 1 — Manufacturer-specified cotter pin
• Steering rack boot clamps (if damaged on removal) × 2 — OEM-spec crimp or band clamp

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place the vehicle in P, and engage the 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 per Tesla Cybertruck service procedure (NOT a 12V battery — connectors and location differ from other Teslas).
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage (800V on Cybertruck) 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. Before lifting: enable Jack Mode / Service Mode in the touchscreen to disable air suspension self-leveling.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Raise the vehicle on a lift or with rated jack stands at the manufacturer-specified lift points. Confirm the truck is stable — Cybertruck curb weight is significantly higher than other Teslas.
9. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.
10. Turn the steering to expose the inner tie rod (note: with steer-by-wire and 48V power off, the rack will not self-center — manually position as needed).

Procedure

1. 1

   Record alignment reference
   Before loosening anything, measure and record the exposed thread length between the outer tie rod jam nut and the inner tie rod, or the overall tie rod assembly length. This gives a starting toe setting and reduces the post-repair alignment range. Mark the jam nut position with a paint pen.
2. 2

   Separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle
   Remove and discard the cotter pin from the outer tie rod castle nut. Remove the castle nut. Using a tie rod separator or ball-joint puller, free the outer tie rod stud from the steering knuckle. Do not strike the knuckle with a hammer — use a proper puller to protect the aluminum components and ABS sensor.
   ⚠Avoid prying near the wheel speed sensor or brake hose.
3. 3

   Loosen the outer tie rod jam nut and unthread the outer tie rod
   Loosen the jam nut, then unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod, counting turns or measuring exact thread engagement so the new assembly can be installed at the same length.
4. 4

   Release the steering rack boot
   Cut or release both clamps on the rack boot on the affected side. Slide the boot inboard (or remove it) to expose the inner tie rod-to-rack joint. Inspect the boot for tears, contamination, or grease loss — replace if compromised.
   ℹ️Note rack orientation and any breather features so the boot is reinstalled correctly.
5. 5

   Remove the inner tie rod from the rack
   Hold the rack flats with a wrench (do NOT let the rack rotate or take torque through the steering input — the rack is part of a steer-by-wire actuator). Use an inner tie rod tool / crow's-foot wrench to unthread the inner tie rod from the rack end. Note any shims, washers, or anti-rotation features and retain them if reusable.
   ⚠️Do NOT apply removal torque through the steering yoke or rack actuator. Counter-hold only on the designated rack flats.
6. 6

   Install the new inner tie rod
   Compare the new inner tie rod to the old one (length, thread pitch, joint orientation). Apply thread treatment per the part's instructions (many OEM inner tie rods come pre-applied with locking compound — do not add additional unless specified). Thread the new inner tie rod into the rack, again counter-holding the rack flats. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual for the Cybertruck inner tie rod-to-rack torque (this value is not in the verified list above and must NOT be guessed).
   ⚠If the part includes a staking/anti-rotation feature, ensure it is engaged before final torque.
7. 7

   Reinstall the rack boot
   Slide the rack boot back into position and secure with new clamps at both ends. Verify the boot is not twisted and is seated in its grooves so it can flex without tearing.
8. 8

   Reinstall the outer tie rod end to the recorded length
   Thread the outer tie rod onto the new inner tie rod to the previously recorded length / paint mark. Snug the jam nut by hand only — final torque happens after alignment.
9. 9

   Reconnect outer tie rod to steering knuckle
   Insert the outer tie rod stud into the knuckle. Install a new castle nut and torque, then install a NEW cotter pin. Never back the nut off to align the cotter pin slot — tighten further if needed.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall the front wheel
    Mount the wheel and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern. Re-torque after the vehicle is back on the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle so suspension is loaded at normal ride height.
2. Re-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to the verified spec.
3. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery using the Cybertruck-specific reconnection sequence.
4. Exit Jack/Service Mode and allow the air suspension to self-level.
5. Perform a four-wheel alignment. After the alignment toe is set, hold the inner tie rod and torque the outer jam nut (Tie Rod Lock Nut) to the verified spec.
6. Using a Tesla-approved diagnostic tool, perform the steering angle sensor / steer-by-wire calibration. Clear any chassis or steering DTCs.

Verification

• Confirm no steering, suspension, or chassis fault icons on the touchscreen after a key cycle and short test drive.
• Verify the steering yoke is centered when driving straight on a level road; with steer-by-wire, an off-center yoke after alignment indicates the steering angle calibration was not completed correctly.
• Inspect the new inner tie rod, boot, and clamps for correct seating after the test drive — a misaligned boot will tear quickly.
• Confirm cotter pin is fully seated and bent over on the outer tie rod castle nut.
• Recheck front toe at the conclusion of the test drive; on Cybertruck's heavy front end, even small toe errors cause rapid edge wear — Tesla recommends tire rotation every ~6,250 mi, so note tire wear pattern at the next rotation as a confirmation of correct alignment.

More procedures for this vehicle