This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the tie rod assembly on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine, including outer tie rod ends and inner tie rod connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tie rod assembly (specify left or right side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (castle nut type) × 1 — Standard 2mm diameter
• Thread locker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Spray tie rod threads and castle nut with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
6. Measure and record the exposed thread length from the tie rod lock nut to the end of the tie rod for rough alignment reference
7. Mark the position of the tie rod end relative to the tie rod shaft with paint or marker for additional reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the tie rod end where it connects to the steering knuckle. Use pliers to straighten and remove the cotter pin from the castle nut. Using a 19mm socket, loosen and remove the castle nut from the tie rod end ball stud. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
2. 2

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end separator tool between the steering knuckle and tie rod end. Apply steady pressure to separate the taper joint. Alternatively, use a pickle fork to wedge between the components. Tap the tool with a hammer if necessary. Avoid striking the tie rod end threads directly. Once separated, pull the tie rod end out of the knuckle.
   ⚠Do not hit the steering knuckle or tie rod end directly with a hammer as this can damage components or the ball joint taper.
3. 3

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Locate the lock nut on the tie rod shaft between the inner and outer tie rod. Use a 21mm wrench to loosen the lock nut. Do not remove it completely yet. This nut locks the outer tie rod end position for alignment purposes.
   ℹ️Keep the lock nut on the threads to maintain your reference measurement for approximate alignment.
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod end from tie rod shaft
   Count and record the number of turns as you unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod shaft. Turn the tie rod end counterclockwise to remove. This count will help reinstall the new tie rod end at approximately the same position. Remove the lock nut once the tie rod end is off.
5. 5

   Inspect steering rack boot and inner tie rod connection
   Examine the steering rack boot for tears, cracks, or grease leakage. Check the inner tie rod connection point at the steering rack. If only replacing the outer tie rod end, proceed to reassembly. If replacing the entire tie rod assembly including the inner tie rod, continue to access the inner tie rod mounting point at the steering rack.
6. 6

   Remove steering rack boot clamps (if replacing inner tie rod)
   If replacing the complete tie rod assembly, carefully cut or release the boot clamps securing the steering rack boot to the inner tie rod and rack housing. Slide the boot back along the tie rod shaft to expose the inner tie rod connection. Wipe away excess grease to see the connection clearly.
   ℹ️This step only applies if replacing the complete tie rod assembly including inner tie rod. Skip if only replacing outer tie rod end.
7. 7

   Remove inner tie rod from steering rack (if replacing inner tie rod)
   The inner tie rod is typically staked or threaded onto the steering rack. Hold the steering rack with a wrench on the flats to prevent rotation. Use the appropriate tool (typically a specialized inner tie rod tool or large adjustable wrench) to unthread the inner tie rod counterclockwise from the rack. Remove the complete tie rod assembly.
   ⚠Support the steering rack to prevent damage to the rack housing or pinion during inner tie rod removal.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod to steering rack (if applicable)
   Clean the threads on the steering rack with a wire brush. Thread the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack by hand, then tighten to the specified torque. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads before installation. Ensure the tie rod is fully seated against the rack housing. Some applications may require staking the inner tie rod after installation.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Nut52 Nm (38 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install steering rack boot (if applicable)
   Apply fresh grease to the inner tie rod ball joint area if specified by the manufacturer. Slide the steering rack boot over the inner tie rod and position it correctly on both the rack housing and tie rod. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely to prevent grease loss and contamination entry.
10. 10

    Thread new outer tie rod end onto tie rod shaft
    Clean the threads on the tie rod shaft with a wire brush. Thread the lock nut onto the tie rod shaft first, then thread the new outer tie rod end onto the shaft. Use the same number of turns recorded during removal, or align with your reference measurement. The tie rod end should thread on smoothly by hand initially.
    ℹ️This provides only an approximate alignment. Professional alignment is still required after installation.
11. 11

    Install tie rod end to steering knuckle
    Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle taper hole. Install the castle nut and tighten to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Ensure the ball stud seats properly in the taper. The castle nut slots must align with the ball stud hole for cotter pin installation.
    ⚠If castle nut slots do not align with cotter pin hole at specified torque, tighten further up to 1/6 turn (60 degrees) maximum. Never loosen to align.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install new cotter pin
    Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud hole. Bend the ends of the cotter pin around the castle nut to secure it properly. Ensure the cotter pin is fully inserted and bent so it cannot work loose. Trim excess length if necessary but leave enough to prevent backing out.
13. 13

    Snug tie rod lock nut (do not final torque)
    Using a 21mm wrench, snug the tie rod lock nut against the outer tie rod end to maintain the approximate alignment position. Do not torque to final specification yet. The lock nut will be torqued to final specification only after professional wheel alignment is completed.
    ℹ️Final torque specification for tie rod lock nut is applied only after alignment is performed.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Lower the vehicle completely and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both tie rods
2. Check that all fasteners are properly secured before test driving
3. Verify steering wheel returns to center when turning the wheel lock-to-lock while stationary

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock with engine off to verify smooth operation and no binding
• Check for any unusual noises from the tie rod connection points
• Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - vehicle steering geometry has been altered
• After alignment, verify tie rod lock nut is torqued to 64 Nm (48 lb-ft) specification
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response before normal operation

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