Replace the inner tie rod end on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The inner tie rod threads into the steering rack and requires removal of the outer tie rod first; a four-wheel alignment is mandatory after this repair.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod assembly (left or right specific) × 1 — OEM Model X 2024 inner tie rod — verify side
• Cotter pin for outer tie rod castle nut × 1 — OEM-spec cotter pin
• Steering rack boot clamps (if damaged on removal) × 2 — OEM-spec crimp or worm-drive clamp

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk (similar position to Model S). Open frunk via touchscreen before disconnecting.
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. Before disconnecting 12V: enable Jack Mode on the touchscreen to disable air suspension auto-leveling (Controls > Service > Jack Mode).
7. Loosen front lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified front lift points using approved pucks. Support on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
9. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.
10. Mark the position of the outer tie rod on its threads (paint pen or thread count) so initial toe can be approximated for the drive to the alignment shop.

Procedure

1. 1

   Separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod castle nut and discard. Loosen the castle nut but leave it threaded on flush with the stud to protect the threads. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to break the taper free from the steering knuckle. Remove the nut and lift the outer tie rod stud out of the knuckle.
   ⚠If using a pickle fork, the outer tie rod boot will likely be destroyed — plan to replace the outer end if you intend to reuse it.
2. 2

   Remove the outer tie rod from the inner
   Loosen the tie rod lock nut (jam nut) where the outer threads onto the inner. Count the exact number of turns as you unthread the outer tie rod from the inner — this preserves an approximate toe setting for limp-home driving. Remove the outer tie rod and lock nut.
3. 3

   Release the steering rack boot
   Loosen and slide back the outer clamp on the steering rack boot. Inspect the boot for tears; replace if compromised. Slide the boot inboard along the rack to fully expose the inner tie rod housing where it threads into the rack.
4. 4

   Verify rack is centered and prevent rotation
   Center the steering rack (steering wheel straight, equal travel each direction). With the steering column locked or the wheel held, the rack shaft must not rotate while loosening the inner tie rod, otherwise internal damage to the rack can occur.
5. 5

   Remove the inner tie rod from the rack
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool sized to the inner tie rod housing, unthread the inner tie rod counter-clockwise from the rack shaft. Hold the rack shaft with a backup wrench on the flats (if provided) to prevent rack rotation. Remove the inner tie rod assembly.
6. 6

   Inspect the rack and surrounding components
   Inspect the rack shaft threads for damage, the rack boot for tears, and the bellows clamps. Inspect the outer tie rod for play or torn boot — if it has any wear, replace it now since labor is already invested. Wipe the threads clean.
7. 7

   Install the new inner tie rod
   Apply thread locker only if specified by the new part's instructions (many inner tie rods come pre-applied). Thread the new inner tie rod onto the rack shaft by hand to verify clean engagement, then torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Some inner tie rods require staking after torque; follow the new part's instructions exactly.
8. 8

   Reposition the rack boot
   Slide the steering rack boot back into position, ensuring it is seated in its grooves at both the rack housing and the inner tie rod. Install new clamps if the originals were damaged. Verify the boot is not twisted — a twisted boot will tear within a few thousand miles of steering cycles.
9. 9

   Reinstall the outer tie rod
   Thread the lock nut onto the inner tie rod, then thread the outer tie rod on by the same number of turns counted during removal. This sets a rough toe for the drive to the alignment rack — it is NOT a final alignment.
10. 10

    Reconnect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Align the slot to the cotter pin hole by tightening (never loosening) and install a NEW cotter pin. Bend the legs to retain.
    Torque spec

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

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel. Hand-thread lug nuts to avoid cross-threading on the aluminum hub face.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk.
5. Close frunk and exit Jack Mode on the touchscreen (vehicle will return to normal ride height).
6. Cycle the steering lock-to-lock several times slowly with the vehicle running but stationary, watching for binding, clunks, or boot distortion.

Verification

• Drive the vehicle directly to an alignment rack — do not return to customer until aligned. Inner tie rod replacement always requires a four-wheel alignment.
• After alignment, torque the tie rod lock nut to specification (this is done at the alignment rack after toe is set).
• On the alignment rack, verify toe is within Tesla spec for Model X Plaid and that left/right toe is symmetric (steering wheel centered).
• Test drive: confirm steering wheel is centered, no pull, no clunks over bumps, and no warning messages on the instrument cluster (a steering angle sensor relearn may be needed via a brief lock-to-lock cycle, or via Tesla service tooling if a fault persists).
• Inspect the rack boot one more time after the test drive to confirm it has not twisted under steering load.
• Note: while suspension is apart, this is a good time to check brake fluid age (Tesla recommends every 2 years) and tire rotation interval (every 6,250 mi).

More procedures for this vehicle