Replace both outer tie rod ends on a 2024 Cybertruck Dual Motor. Note: this truck uses steer-by-wire — the front rack is electrically actuated and there is no steering column shaft to the rack, but a four-wheel alignment is still mandatory after this job.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end assembly (Cybertruck-specific) × 2 — Manufacturer-specified Cybertruck outer tie rod — confirm against VIN
• Castle nut / tie rod end nut × 2 — OEM replacement (typically supplied with tie rod end)
• Cotter pin × 2 — OEM size to match castle nut

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. If possible, enter Service Mode / Jack Mode via the touchscreen to disable air suspension self-leveling and put the vehicle in a serviceable state before powering down.
3. Exit ALL doors with the key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
4. Disconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla service documentation (Cybertruck LV battery and disconnect location differ from 12V Teslas — do not assume frunk location/procedure).
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
6. 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.
7. Chock the rear wheels.
8. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while the truck is on the ground.
9. Raise the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jacking points and support on rated jack stands. Confirm the truck is stable before working underneath.
10. Remove both front wheels.
11. Inspect inner tie rods, boots, ball joints, and steering rack for additional wear before proceeding — replace as needed.

Procedure

1. 1

   Record existing tie rod length
   Before loosening anything, use calipers or a tape measure to record the exposed thread length on each outer tie rod, or mark the inner tie rod threads with a paint pen at the lock nut face. This gets you close to the original toe setting and minimizes alignment drift while driving to the alignment shop. Do this on BOTH sides independently — left and right may differ.
   ℹ️This measurement is a starting reference only — a full alignment is still required afterward.
2. 2

   Loosen the tie rod lock (jam) nut
   With penetrating oil applied as needed, hold the inner tie rod shaft with a wrench and break loose the lock nut where the outer tie rod threads into the inner. Back the lock nut off a few turns but leave it on the threads as a counting reference.
3. 3

   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut at the steering knuckle
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end stud at the knuckle. Loosen and remove the castle nut. Discard the cotter pin — it must be replaced with a new one on reassembly.
   ⚠Do not reuse cotter pins. Always install a new pin.
4. 4

   Separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle
   Use a proper tie rod end puller to press the tapered stud out of the knuckle. A pickle fork works but will destroy the boot — only acceptable since the part is being replaced. Avoid striking the steering knuckle directly with a hammer.
   ⚠Do not hammer on the stainless exoskeleton or suspension knuckles. Cybertruck components are not interchangeable with other Teslas if damaged.
5. 5

   Count and unthread the outer tie rod
   Count the number of full turns required to unthread the outer tie rod from the inner shaft. Write it down. This is the second reference (alongside the measurement from Step 1) to get back to the original toe.
6. 6

   Thread the new outer tie rod onto the inner shaft
   Thread the new outer tie rod onto the inner shaft using the same number of turns recorded in Step 5. Visually compare the new assembly's overall length to the recorded length from Step 1 and adjust by rotating the outer tie rod until they match. Do not fully tighten the lock nut yet.
7. 7

   Insert the tie rod stud into the knuckle and install the castle nut
   Insert the tapered stud into the steering knuckle. Install the new castle nut and torque to specification. If the castle nut slots do not align with the cotter pin hole, tighten further (never back off) until the next slot lines up. Install a new cotter pin and bend the legs over per standard practice.
   ⚠Only tighten — never loosen — to align the cotter pin slot.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Repeat steps 1–7 on the opposite side
   Perform the identical procedure on the other side of the vehicle. Keep left and right reference measurements separate; they may not match.
   Torque spec

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

   Snug (do NOT final-torque) the lock nuts
   Snug both lock nuts by hand-plus-wrench so the outer tie rods cannot rotate during the drive to the alignment shop, but do NOT torque them to final spec yet. Final torque is applied after alignment to lock the toe setting in place.
   ℹ️The Tie Rod Lock Nut spec (68 Nm / 50 lb-ft) is applied AFTER alignment, not now.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both front wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before lowering.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
4. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla procedure.
5. Allow the vehicle to wake up; the air suspension will re-level. Confirm no warnings appear on the touchscreen.
6. Drive slowly and directly to an alignment shop equipped to align a Cybertruck — do not drive long distances on a rough toe setting.
7. After alignment is performed, hold the inner tie rod and torque the Tie Rod Lock Nut to specification on both sides.

Verification

• No steering, suspension, or stability control fault messages on the touchscreen after the LV battery is reconnected.
• Steering yoke is centered when driving straight on a flat road (steer-by-wire centerpoint should be re-learned/calibrated by the alignment shop if available).
• No play in the outer tie rod ends when shaken laterally at the tire.
• Cotter pins are installed on both castle nuts with legs properly bent.
• Tie rod lock nuts are at final torque (68 Nm / 50 lb-ft) AFTER alignment is complete.
• Confirm a four-wheel alignment printout is on file showing toe within Tesla specification for the Cybertruck.
• Test drive: vehicle tracks straight, no vibration, no clunks over bumps, no warning messages.

More procedures for this vehicle