🔧 Prius V - Tie Rod End Replacement

Replacing the outer tie rod end restores steering feel and removes play from the front suspension. On your Prius V, this repair must be followed by a professional wheel alignment because toe settings change when the tie rod length is disturbed.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface with the parking brake set and the transmission in Park.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Hybrid system is not normally opened for this repair, but keep the vehicle OFF and the key fob away from the car.
• Do not use heat near steering components or brake parts.
• A wheel 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
• Lug wrench
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 21mm wrench
• 21mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Pliers
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Paint marker
• Penetrating oil
• 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 per side
• Outer tie rod end cotter pin - Qty: 1 per side
• Outer tie rod end nut - Qty: 1 per side

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and center the steering wheel.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before raising the vehicle.
• Spray penetrating oil on the tie rod end jam nut and castle nut if rust is present.
• Mark the old tie rod end position before removal to help keep alignment close enough to drive to the shop.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front of the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the Prius V at the proper lift point.
• Support it securely with jack stands.
• Remove the front wheel with a lug wrench.

Step 2: Mark the tie rod position

• Use a paint marker to mark the location of the outer tie rod end on the inner tie rod threads.
• Count the exposed threads if possible. This helps keep the steering close enough for the drive to alignment.

Step 3: Loosen the jam nut

• Use a 21mm wrench to loosen the jam nut on the inner tie rod.
• Do not fully remove it.
• Hold the inner rod steady while turning the nut.

Step 4: Remove the cotter pin and castle nut

• Use pliers to straighten and pull out the cotter pin from the tie rod stud.
• Use a 19mm socket to remove the castle nut.
• If the stud spins, apply upward pressure on the steering knuckle while loosening.

Step 5: Separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle

• Use a ball joint separator to break the tapered stud free from the knuckle.
• Do not hammer directly on the stud threads.
• Protect the rubber boot if reusing nearby parts.

Step 6: Remove the outer tie rod end

• Count and note the number of turns needed to remove the old tie rod end.
• Use a 21mm wrench to remove the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod.
• This helps keep the toe setting close enough for careful driving.

Step 7: Install the new tie rod end

• Thread the new tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns as the old one.
• Align the stud with the steering knuckle.
• Install the new castle nut and tighten with a 19mm socket.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Secure the jam nut and install the cotter pin

• Use a 21mm wrench to tighten the jam nut against the new tie rod end.
• Torque to 55 Nm (41 ft-lbs).
• Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud.
• Bend the ends of the cotter pin with pliers so it cannot back out.

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the Prius V to the ground.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to check for smooth movement.
• Inspect the tie rod end, jam nut, and cotter pin for correct installation.
• Road test only enough to reach the alignment shop.
• Get a professional front-end alignment as soon as possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $145-$260 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?

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.