This procedure covers removal and replacement of the outer tie rod end on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring wheel alignment upon completion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end (side being replaced) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Spray tie rod end threads and castle nut with penetrating oil if corroded (allow 10-15 minutes to soak)

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position
   Before removal, measure and record the exact distance from the edge of the tie rod lock nut to the end of the outer tie rod threads. Alternatively, count the number of threads visible past the lock nut. This measurement is critical for maintaining approximate toe alignment and will minimize alignment adjustment time.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin
   Locate the cotter pin securing the tie rod end castle nut at the steering knuckle. Straighten the cotter pin legs using pliers, then pull the cotter pin out completely and discard. Do not reuse the old cotter pin.
3. 3

   Remove tie rod end castle nut
   Using an 18mm wrench or socket, remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud. Keep the nut for reference if needed, but a new cotter pin must be used on reassembly. Do not remove the tie rod from the knuckle yet.
   ℹ️Do not strike the tie rod end stud directly with a hammer as this can damage the threads and taper.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from knuckle
   Position a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork between the steering knuckle and tie rod end. Strike the tool firmly to break the taper connection. Alternatively, use a tie rod puller tool following manufacturer instructions. Once separated, remove the tie rod end from the knuckle mounting hole.
5. 5

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Using a 22mm wrench, loosen the lock nut that secures the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod. Loosen this nut but do not remove it completely yet. This nut acts as a jam nut and must be backed off to allow the outer tie rod end to unthread.
6. 6

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Hold the inner tie rod stationary (use locking pliers on the flats if necessary to prevent rotation) and unthread the outer tie rod end counterclockwise. Count the number of complete turns required for removal, or verify your measurement from Step 1. Remove the lock nut from the old tie rod end once it is off.
7. 7

   Prepare new tie rod end
   Clean the threads on the inner tie rod with a wire brush. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the inner tie rod threads. Thread the lock nut onto the new outer tie rod end approximately to the same position as measured on the old part.
8. 8

   Install new outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod clockwise, using the same number of turns or matching the measurement recorded during removal. Do not tighten the lock nut yet. Ensure the tie rod end ball stud is positioned to align with the steering knuckle hole.
9. 9

   Install tie rod end into knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle mounting hole. Ensure the taper seats properly. Thread the castle nut onto the ball stud by hand until snug.
10. 10

    Torque castle nut and install cotter pin
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the castle nut to specification. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until the next castle slot aligns with the hole in the ball stud. Insert a new cotter pin through the hole and bend the legs to secure.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Temporarily secure lock nut
    Hand-tighten the tie rod lock nut against the outer tie rod end to hold the adjustment in place. Do not torque to final specification yet, as this must be done after wheel alignment is performed.
    ℹ️The tie rod lock nut will be torqued to final specification after alignment is completed.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel back onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (but vehicle weight is still on jack stands). Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque on lock nut after alignment
    After the vehicle has been aligned at a qualified alignment shop, torque the tie rod lock nut to final specification. Hold the outer tie rod end stationary while tightening the lock nut to prevent disturbing the alignment adjustment.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle completely from jack stands
2. Perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground
3. Schedule and complete four-wheel alignment as soon as possible
4. After alignment, verify tie rod lock nut is torqued to specification

Verification

• Visually inspect that cotter pin is properly installed and bent
• Verify tie rod end ball joint has no play by attempting to move it by hand (should be solid)
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering response feels normal
• After alignment, verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight
• Inspect for abnormal tire wear after 100-200 miles of driving

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