🔧 Encore - Outer Tie Rod End Replacement

Replacing the outer tie rod end restores safe steering control and prevents uneven tire wear when the joint is loose, torn, or clunking. You’ll remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle, install the new one to the same length, then get a front alignment.

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

Assumption: You’re replacing the outer tie rod end (at the wheel).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support your Encore with jack stands on solid ground; never rely on a jack alone.
• 🛞 Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks and keep the transmission in P.
• 🧤 Wear safety glasses and mechanic gloves; rust and metal shards can fall.
• ⚠️ If you use a pickle fork, it can tear the boot; only use it if you’re replacing the joint anyway.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for 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 (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar 1/2"
• Torque wrench 1/2" (20–200 Nm range)
• 19mm socket
• Ratchet 3/8"
• Socket set (10mm–21mm)
• Open-end wrench set (13mm–24mm)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Tie rod end puller (specialty)
• Pickle fork (specialty)
• Hammer (16–24 oz)
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Tape measure
• Wire brush

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Outer tie rod end - Qty: 1
• New cotter pin - Qty: 1
• Jam nut (tie rod lock nut) - Qty: 1 (optional, if damaged)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, steering wheel centered, and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly with a 19mm socket and breaker bar before lifting.
• Spray penetrating oil on the tie rod end jam nut and the stud nut at the knuckle. Let it soak 5–10 minutes.
• Plan for an alignment after the repair. Even if you match the length perfectly, it can still be slightly off.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front corner

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front corner you’re working on.
• Set the vehicle down onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove the wheel using a 19mm socket and ratchet.

Step 2: Mark the current tie rod position (so alignment is close)

• Clean the threads with a wire brush.
• Use a paint marker to mark the tie rod end position against the threads/jam nut.
• Measure from a repeatable point (example: end of inner tie rod threads to the tie rod end housing) using a tape measure. Write the number down.
• This helps the new part match length.

Step 3: Loosen the jam nut

• Hold the inner tie rod with an open-end wrench (size varies) so it doesn’t twist.
• Loosen the jam nut using an open-end wrench (size varies).
• Only break it loose for now—do not spin it far yet.

Step 4: Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle

• Remove the cotter pin (if equipped) using needle-nose pliers.
• Remove the tie rod end stud nut using the correct socket and ratchet.
• Separate the taper fit using a tie rod end puller (specialty). (A puller presses the stud out without hammering.)
• If needed, use a pickle fork (specialty) and hammer to pop it loose. Pickle forks usually destroy the boot.

Step 5: Remove the old tie rod end

• Spin the tie rod end off by hand.
• Count the turns it takes to come off (example: 17 turns). Write it down.

Step 6: Install the new tie rod end

• Thread the new tie rod end on by hand for the exact same number of turns you counted.
• Line up your paint marks and/or your measurement using a tape measure.
• Insert the stud into the steering knuckle by hand.
• Install the new stud nut using the correct socket and ratchet.
• Tighten the stud nut to the manufacturer spec using a torque wrench 1/2". Torque to OEM specification for your Encore’s outer tie rod end stud nut.
• If the nut uses a cotter pin, continue tightening slightly (never loosen to align) until the hole lines up, then install a new cotter pin using needle-nose pliers.

Step 7: Tighten the jam nut

• Hold the inner tie rod with an open-end wrench.
• Tighten the jam nut against the tie rod end using an open-end wrench, then final-tighten with a torque wrench if you have a crowfoot attachment available.
• Torque to OEM specification for your Encore’s tie rod jam nut.

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Install the wheel and hand-thread the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench 1/2": Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while parked and check the boot isn’t twisted and nothing binds.
• Road-test at low speed first. Listen for clunks and confirm the steering wheel is close to centered.
• Get a front wheel alignment as soon as possible to prevent tire wear.
• Recheck the stud nut/cotter pin and jam nut area for anything loose after the first short drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$450 (parts + labor, plus alignment if needed)

DIY Cost: $35-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $185-$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.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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