🔧 Traverse - Outer Tie Rod End Replacement

The outer tie rod end connects your steering rack (via the inner tie rod) to the steering knuckle, and worn joints can cause clunks, loose steering, or uneven tire wear. You’ll remove the old outer tie rod end, install the new one, then get a wheel alignment to protect your tires.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support your Traverse with jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum); never rely on a jack alone.
• 🛑 Keep hands clear while separating the joint; the knuckle can move suddenly.
• 🛑 If using a hammer near the knuckle, avoid hitting the CV axle boot (rubber boot can tear).
• 🛑 After replacement, a professional wheel alignment is required to prevent rapid tire wear.
• 🛑 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
• 19mm socket
• 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• 1/2-inch drive torque wrench (20-200 ft-lbs)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Diagonal cutters
• Paint marker
• Steel ruler or tape measure
• Penetrating oil
• Wire brush
• 12-inch adjustable wrench
• Tie rod end puller (specialty)
• Hammer (16 oz)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Outer tie rod end - Qty: 1
• Cotter pin set - Qty: 1
• Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, straighten the steering wheel, and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Before lifting, slightly loosen the front wheel lug nuts using a 19mm socket and breaker bar.
• Spray penetrating oil on the outer tie rod end jam nut threads and the tie rod stud nut area; let it soak 5–10 minutes.
• Take photos before disassembly.

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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 onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) at a solid support point.
• Remove the wheel using a 19mm socket.

Step 2: Mark the current position (helps drive to alignment shop)

• Use a paint marker to mark the relationship between the jam nut and the tie rod threads.
• Measure and write down the distance from the outer tie rod end to a fixed point on the inner tie rod using a steel ruler or tape measure.
• A jam nut is the lock nut that “locks” the alignment adjustment in place.

Step 3: Remove the cotter pin (if equipped)

• Clean the stud/nut area with a wire brush.
• Straighten and remove the cotter pin using needle-nose pliers and diagonal cutters if needed.

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

• Use the correct-size tool you have available for the nut (typically a socket) and loosen/remove the nut.
• Torque to manufacturer specification during reassembly.

Step 5: Separate the tie rod end from the knuckle

• Install a tie rod end puller (specialty) over the joint and tighten it until the stud pops free.
• If needed, tap the side of the knuckle near the stud with a hammer (16 oz) while keeping tension on the puller.
• A tie rod puller is a screw tool that presses the stud out without damaging the boot.

Step 6: Loosen the jam nut

• Hold the inner tie rod/flat area steady with a 12-inch adjustable wrench if needed.
• Loosen the jam nut using a 12-inch adjustable wrench.
• Torque to manufacturer specification during reassembly.

Step 7: Remove the outer tie rod end (count the turns)

• Spin the outer tie rod end off the threads while counting full turns (example: “18 turns”).
• Write the number down—this helps keep toe close enough to drive to the alignment shop.

Step 8: Install the new outer tie rod end

• Apply a thin film of anti-seize compound to the threads.
• Thread the new outer tie rod end on using the exact same number of turns you counted.
• Snug the jam nut by hand against the new outer tie rod end.

Step 9: Attach the stud to the steering knuckle

• Insert the new tie rod stud into the knuckle.
• Install the nut and tighten with your wrench/socket.
• Torque to manufacturer specification.
• If a cotter pin is used, align the nut slots and install a new cotter pin using needle-nose pliers.

Step 10: Tighten the jam nut

• Hold the outer tie rod end steady with a 12-inch adjustable wrench.
• Tighten the jam nut with a 12-inch adjustable wrench.
• Torque to manufacturer specification.

Step 11: Reinstall the wheel

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-thread the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle using the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench: Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the Traverse and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while parked; listen for clicking or binding.
• Road test at low speed first; confirm the steering wheel is close to centered and there are no clunks.
• Get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible (same day is best).
• Recheck the lug nut torque with a torque wrench after 50–100 km.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹4,000-₹9,000 (parts + labor + alignment, typical for Panipat area)

DIY Cost: ₹1,500-₹4,000 (parts only; alignment extra)

You Save: ₹2,500-₹5,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹1,000-₹2,500/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 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.