This procedure covers removal and replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring rack boot removal and post-repair alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod boot (rack boot) × 1 — Often included with inner tie rod
• Boot clamps × 2 — 2 clamps per side
• Cotter pin for outer tie rod × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Photograph or mark current tie rod adjustment for rough reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod castle nut using pliers. Remove the castle nut completely. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Avoid damaging the boot or ball joint threads.
2. 2

   Mark tie rod position
   Before loosening the tie rod lock nut, measure and record the exposed thread length from the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod end. Use white paint or chalk to mark the position of the outer tie rod on the inner tie rod threads. This provides a reference for rough reassembly to minimize alignment changes.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Loosen the tie rod lock nut between the inner and outer tie rod ends but do not remove it completely. Count and record the number of turns as you unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. Remove the outer tie rod end and lock nut.
4. 4

   Remove steering rack boot
   Cut or release the boot clamps securing the steering rack boot to both the inner tie rod and the steering rack housing. Carefully slide the boot off the inner tie rod end to expose the inner tie rod connection point. Inspect the boot for damage and replace if torn or cracked.
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod end
   Use an inner tie rod removal tool or large adjustable wrench to grip the flats on the inner tie rod end body (not the threaded portion). The inner tie rod threads into the steering rack with a staking lock. Unthread the inner tie rod counterclockwise. It may require significant force to break the staking. Once loosened, unthread completely and remove.
   ⚠Do not grip the threaded portion of the inner tie rod as this will damage the threads. Use only the hex flats on the tie rod body.
6. 6

   Prepare new inner tie rod
   Clean the threads in the steering rack housing with a wire brush. Compare the old and new inner tie rod ends to ensure correct part. Apply a light coat of clean grease to the threads of the new inner tie rod end.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod end
   Thread the new inner tie rod end into the steering rack housing by hand, ensuring it threads smoothly. Tighten using the inner tie rod tool or adjustable wrench. While there is no specific torque specification provided for the inner tie rod, tighten firmly (typical specification is 60-70 ft-lb). The connection should be tight enough to prevent loosening but avoid over-tightening.
   ℹ️Some inner tie rods have a self-staking feature or require peening to lock. Follow manufacturer instructions specific to the replacement part.
8. 8

   Install steering rack boot
   Slide the new or existing boot over the inner tie rod end and onto the steering rack housing. Ensure the boot is properly seated in the grooves on both the rack housing and inner tie rod. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely to prevent boot movement and moisture intrusion.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod end
   Thread the outer tie rod end onto the new inner tie rod end, using the marks and turn count from disassembly as a starting reference. Thread the lock nut onto the inner tie rod but leave it loose for now. This is a preliminary setting only; final adjustment will be done during alignment.
10. 10

    Connect outer tie rod to knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod ball stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the ball stud hole. If slots do not align, tighten slightly further (never back off). Install a new cotter pin and bend the legs to secure.
    ⚠Always use a new cotter pin. Never reuse old cotter pins as they may fail.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands
2. Do not tighten the tie rod lock nut to final specification until after alignment is completed
3. Verify steering wheel returns to center and there is no binding through full steering travel

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response
• Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or steering irregularities
• Schedule immediate professional wheel alignment
• After alignment is completed, verify tie rod lock nut is torqued to 68.0 Nm (50 lb-ft)
• Recheck all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

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