🔧 CR-V - Tie Rod End Replacement

Replacing the outer tie rod end restores steering precision and removes looseness at the front wheels. On your CR-V, this repair changes toe angle, so a front-end alignment is required right after the job.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands before removing the wheel.
• Use wheel chocks so the vehicle cannot roll.
• Keep hands clear when separating the tie rod from the steering knuckle.
• Do not let the knuckle hang from the brake hose or ABS wire.
• An alignment is required after this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 19mm lug wrench or socket
• 12mm wrench
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Pliers
• Paint marker
• Pickle fork (specialty)
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Penetrating oil

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Outer tie rod end - Qty: 1
• Jam nut - Qty: 1
• Cotter pin - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Center the steering wheel and keep it straight.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Mark the old tie rod position before removal so the replacement is close enough to drive to alignment.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the front wheel lug nuts

• Use a 19mm lug wrench or socket to loosen the lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.

Step 2: Raise and support the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the vehicle.
• Set the vehicle onto jack stands.
• Remove the wheel with the 19mm lug wrench or socket.

Step 3: Mark the tie rod position

• Use a paint marker to mark the outer tie rod position on the threads.
• Match the thread count for a close toe setting.

Step 4: Remove the cotter pin and castle nut

• Use pliers to pull the cotter pin from the tie rod stud.
• Use a 17mm socket and ratchet to remove the castle nut.

Step 5: Separate the tie rod end from the knuckle

• Use a ball joint separator (specialty) or pickle fork (specialty) to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
• Protect the boot on nearby components.

Step 6: Remove the old tie rod end

• Use a 12mm wrench to loosen the jam nut.
• Spin the tie rod end off the inner tie rod and count the turns as you remove it.

Step 7: Install the new tie rod end

• Thread the new tie rod end on the same number of turns as the old one.
• Insert the stud into the steering knuckle.
• Install the new castle nut by hand.

Step 8: Tighten and secure the joint

• Use a 17mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the tie rod end nut to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).
• If needed, tighten slightly more to align the cotter pin hole; do not loosen to make it line up.
• Install the new cotter pin and bend the ends with pliers.
• Use a 12mm wrench to tighten the jam nut to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground.
• Use a 19mm lug wrench or socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the steering wheel left and right to confirm smooth operation.
• Check that the jam nut and cotter pin are secure.
• Test drive slowly and verify the vehicle tracks straight.
• Schedule a front-wheel alignment as soon as possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$320 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$85 (parts only)

You Save: $145-$235 by doing it yourself!

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