How to Replace the Outer Tie Rod End on a 2020 Hyundai Tucson (Front Left/Right)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools, parts, safety tips, and what to do before getting an alignment
How to Replace the Outer Tie Rod End on a 2020 Hyundai Tucson (Front Left/Right)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools, parts, safety tips, and what to do before getting an alignment
🔧 Tucson - Tie Rod End Replacement
On your Tucson, the (outer) tie rod end connects the steering rack/tie rod to the steering knuckle. Replacing it restores safe steering and prevents uneven tire wear, but it must be followed by a wheel alignment.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours (plus alignment)
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Support the vehicle on jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
- ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points when separating the joint.
- ⚠️ After replacement, get a professional alignment ASAP to avoid unsafe handling and tire wear.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
- Lug nut socket (21mm)
- Ratchet (3/8")
- Breaker bar (1/2")
- Torque wrench (10–200 Nm range)
- Combination wrench set (14–24mm)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Ball joint separator or tie-rod end puller (specialty)
- Penetrating oil
- Paint marker
- Tape measure
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Outer tie rod end - Qty: 1
- Cotter pin - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, center the steering wheel, and set the parking brake.
- Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
- Loosen the front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn using a 21mm lug nut socket before lifting.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm which tie rod end you’re replacing
- I need 2 quick details before I can give the correct OEM torque specs and exact steps.
- Is it the front left or front right?
- Are you replacing the outer tie rod end at the knuckle (most common), or the inner tie rod at the steering rack?
Step 2: Lift and remove the wheel (once you reply)
- After you answer the two questions above, I’ll lay out the full procedure with the correct torque values.
✅ After Repair
- Get a front-end alignment immediately after driving to the shop.
- Test drive slowly first; verify the steering wheel is centered and there’s no clunking.
- Recheck the lug nut torque after 25–50 miles.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $200-$450 (parts + labor + alignment varies)
DIY Cost: $30-$120 (parts only)
You Save: $170-$330 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
