Changing tie rod end - how to perform this work

Changing tie rod end - how to perform this work

How do you know when to change the tie rod end?


Tie rod ends connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle and are largely responsible for turning the wheels. When you turn the steering wheel, the steering system responds via rack and pinion, ultimately telling the outer tie rod ends to push or pull the wheel to turn. A tie rod end in poor condition can lead to loss of control or the wheel breaking completely off the vehicle, both extremely dangerous situations that can be avoided with preventative maintenance. Symptoms of worn outer tie rod ends include:
  • Steering of the vehicle is loose or there is play in the steering wheel
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Vehicle pulling to one side
  • Noise like clicks/clunks/knocking
Many steering and suspension problems can share the same symptoms and noises, so it's always best to do a visual inspection yourself. A visual inspection of the tie rod end will show if the rubber dust boot has torn, which causes the tie rod end to fail completely due to contamination.

Check the outer tie rod end for excessive wear

If your vehicle exhibits the above symptoms, a test will be performed to determine if the problem is with the outer tie rod end. 
Checking tie rod end

First, raise the vehicle enough so that the wheel does not touch the ground.

Second, place your hands on the wheel at nine and three o'clock and move the wheel left and right.

If the parts are in good condition, the wheel would just turn (with the steering system). If there is excessive wear, the wheel will wobble as if the lug nuts are loose.

This is the most common sign for a tie rod end replacement.



How to replace the outer tie rod end:

  • Safety first
  • Be sure to be thorough and careful when repairing steering parts and suspension.
  • Wear safety glasses and gloves.
  • Use a proper jack and jack stands.
  • If you must use heat to loosen a stubborn nut, an electric induction heater is recommended as the safest method.
  • If you use a gas torch heater, make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy and avoid igniting the rubber bushings.

The basic tools you need
Before you start
Mark the location of the inner tie rod jam nut, either by marking the part, taking a picture, or counting the number of threads on the bolt. This helps preserve approximate wheel alignment.
It is recommended to remove the wheel for better access.
Before installing the part, make sure the dimensions of the old and new parts match.

Remove the retaining nut

After soaking the inner tie rod jam nut and thread with rust penetrant, hold the inner tie rod in place with a wrench and loosen the jam nut. Moving to the other end (at the steering knuckle), remove the tie rod end retaining nut. A crown nut is used on some outer tie rod ends. If this is the case with your vehicle, pull the cotter pin out of the retaining nut, then remove the crown nut completely.

Remove the tie rod end completely from the knuckle

Tie rod end removal toolFree the tie rod end from the knuckle using a special tool (puller) designed to remove ball joints and tie rod ends. Once the tie rod end taper is free, unscrew it from the inner tie rod while counting the number of revolutions or observing your previously made mark. With the outer tie rod end completely removed from the vehicle, compare the length, taper, and thread length of the new and old parts to ensure the replacement part is compatible with the steering system.

Installing a new tie rod end

Connect the new tie rod end to the inner tie rod by counting revolutions or stopping at a previously recorded mark. Place the outer tie rod end into the steering knuckle, making sure the taper goes all the way in. Use your fingers or a light wrench to tighten the new retaining nut until the entire stud turns. Do not use an impact wrench to tighten the nut as this can damage the new part. Use a spanner to keep the stud from moving when you tighten the new retaining nut to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended torque (using a torque wrench). For a crown nut, when it is fully tightened, be sure to install a new cotter pin by pulling the cotter pin through the hole and bending its ends with pliers to wrap it securely around the nut.

Some tie rod ends have a grease fitting that is often pre-lubricated and does not require additional grease when installed. However, make sure the grease fitting bolt is tight during installation. For maintenance purposes, for example, when changing the oil, it is always good to add new grease until old grease starts to push out.

Go for a wheel alignment immediately

Once the new part is installed, check all suspension parts before putting the wheel back on. Take a short test drive and then immediately take the vehicle for a wheel alignment. Tie rod end replacement changes the toe setting, even if you counted threads. Be sure to reset the steering angle sensor, if necessary, whenever the front end of the vehicle is aligned.

You can find the tie rod end removal tools here.
You can find various helpful pullers here.

You can buy tie rod ends for your car here!