🔧 Compass - Outer Tie Rod End Replacement

Replacing the outer tie rod end restores tight steering and correct wheel alignment when the joint is worn or has play. On your Compass, this is a front-suspension steering component, and you’ll need an alignment afterward to prevent tire wear.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours (per side)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the Compass with jack stands; never rely on a jack.
• 🛑 Keep fingers clear when separating the tapered joint; it can “pop” loose suddenly.
• 🛑 Do not hammer directly on the threaded stud; you can damage threads.
• 🛑 An alignment is required after replacement to avoid rapid tire wear.

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🔧 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 (19mm)
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (20–200 ft-lbs range)
• Open-end wrench set (metric)
• Socket set (metric)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Paint marker
• Tape measure
• Tie rod end puller (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front outer tie rod end - Qty: 1
• Cotter pin - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting the Compass.
• Plan on getting a professional alignment right after this repair.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Before I give you the exact step-by-step with the correct torque specs (required on this job), answer these 2 quick questions:

• Which side are you replacing: front left (driver) or front right (passenger)?
• Does your tie rod end use a castle nut with a cotter pin at the steering knuckle, or a locking nut without a cotter pin? (If you’re not sure, upload a close-up photo.)

Once you reply, I’ll lay out the full procedure with the correct fastener torque values and the simplest “count-the-turns” method to keep the toe close enough to drive to the alignment shop.

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✅ After Repair

• Double-check the jam nut is tight and the stud nut is properly secured.
• Verify the steering wheel is roughly centered on a short, slow test drive.
• Get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$350 (parts + labor + typical alignment)

DIY Cost: $30-$120 (parts only, alignment extra)

You Save: $60-$200 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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🎯 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.