Replace the inner tie rod end on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla, requiring removal of the outer tie rod and rack boot to access the inner tie rod connection at the steering rack.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — 45503-02170 or equivalent
• Outer tie rod end (if worn) × 1 — 45046-02130 or equivalent
• Steering rack boot/bellows × 1 — 45535-02070 or equivalent
• Boot clamps × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the affected side while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod lock nut, castle nut, and inner tie rod threads; allow to soak while gathering tools

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark alignment reference positions
   Before disassembly, measure and record the exposed thread length between the outer tie rod end and the lock nut. Use a marker to mark the position of the outer tie rod on the inner tie rod threads. This provides a rough starting point for reassembly to minimize alignment changes.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle
   Use needle nose pliers to remove and discard the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut. Using a 19mm socket, remove the castle nut from the tie rod end ball stud. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Avoid striking the threads.
   ⚠Do not hammer directly on tie rod threads as this will damage them and prevent proper installation
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Using a 21mm wrench, loosen the tie rod lock nut. Count and record the number of turns required to unthread the outer tie rod end completely from the inner tie rod. This provides an additional reference for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut64 Nm (48 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove steering rack boot
   Locate the rack boot (bellows) that covers the inner tie rod connection at the steering rack. Cut or loosen both boot clamps - one at the rack housing and one at the inner tie rod. Slide the boot away from the inner tie rod to expose the connection point and jam nut.
   ℹ️Inspect boot for cracks or deterioration - replacement is recommended if any damage is present
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod end
   The inner tie rod is threaded onto the steering rack with a jam nut. Using an inner tie rod removal tool (or large adjustable pliers carefully positioned on the flats), unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack by turning counterclockwise. The tool grips the flats behind the boot seat. If using pliers, avoid damaging the rack threads.
   ⚠Support the inner tie rod while removing to prevent twisting or damaging the steering rack internally
6. 6

   Clean steering rack threads
   With the inner tie rod removed, inspect the steering rack threads for damage or corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean the threads thoroughly. Inspect the rack for any fluid leakage which would indicate seal failure requiring rack replacement.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod end
   Thread the new inner tie rod end onto the steering rack by hand, ensuring it threads smoothly. Using the inner tie rod tool, tighten the inner tie rod securely. Thread it fully until it seats against the rack, then verify it is tight. There is no specific torque spec for the inner tie rod-to-rack connection, but it should be very tight (typically 60-80 ft-lb equivalent).
   ℹ️Ensure inner tie rod threads are clean and free of debris before installation
8. 8

   Install new or reuse steering rack boot
   Slide the new (or cleaned original) rack boot over the inner tie rod and position it correctly on both the rack housing and the inner tie rod boot seat. Ensure the boot is not twisted and is properly seated in the grooves. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely using the appropriate clamp tool or pliers.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod end onto inner tie rod
   Thread the outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal, or align with the reference marks made earlier. Thread the lock nut onto the inner tie rod but do not tighten it yet - leave it loose to allow for minor adjustment.
10. 10

    Connect outer tie rod to steering knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the ball stud hole by tightening only (never loosen to align). Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    ⚠Always tighten castle nut to align cotter pin hole - never loosen from torque specification
    Torque spec

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

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

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque tie rod lock nut after alignment
    The tie rod lock nut should only be torqued to final specification AFTER a professional wheel alignment is completed. Once alignment is set, torque the lock nut to specification while holding the outer tie rod end to prevent it from turning.
    ⚠Do not fully tighten lock nut until after alignment is completed or adjustment capability will be lost
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut64 Nm (48 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the order listed
2. Verify new cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent backing out
3. Check that steering rack boot is properly seated with no twists or gaps
4. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area

Verification

• Lower vehicle completely and bounce the front end to settle the suspension
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering response and no pulling
• Schedule and complete a professional 4-wheel alignment immediately - inner tie rod replacement significantly affects toe angle
• After alignment, verify tie rod lock nut is torqued to final specification of 64 Nm (48 lb-ft)
• Re-check all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

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