🔧 Tie Rod End - Replacement

The outer tie rod end connects the steering rack to the front wheel knuckle. Replacing it restores steering feel and removes looseness, clunks, or uneven tire wear. This job must be followed by a professional alignment.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Park on level ground and keep the steering wheel centered before starting.
• Use jack stands; never work under a car supported only by a jack.
• Support the front wheel safely before removing the tie rod end.
• Do not turn the steering wheel with the tie rod end disconnected.
• An alignment is required after replacement.

---

🔧 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 socket
• 21mm socket
• 24mm open-end wrench
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Needle-nose pliers
• Marker or paint pen
• Tie rod end puller (specialty)
• Penetrating oil

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Outer tie rod end - Qty: 1
• New tie rod end lock nut - Qty: 1
• New cotter pin - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front wheel bolts slightly before lifting the car.
• Mark the position of the old tie rod end on the inner tie rod to help preserve toe setting.
• Apply penetrating oil to the jam nut and tie rod end threads before removal.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front of the car

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the car.
• Place the car securely on jack stands.
• Remove the front wheel with the 19mm socket.

Step 2: Mark the tie rod position

• Use a marker or paint pen to mark the tie rod end location relative to the inner tie rod.
• This helps you get the new part close enough to drive to the alignment shop.

Step 3: Loosen the jam nut

• Use the 24mm open-end wrench to hold the inner tie rod.
• Use the 21mm socket or wrench to loosen the jam nut on the tie rod end.
• Soak stubborn threads again if needed.

Step 4: Remove the cotter pin and castle nut

• Use needle-nose pliers to remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end stud.
• Use the 21mm socket to remove the castle nut.

Step 5: Separate the tie rod end from the knuckle

• Use a tie rod end puller (specialty) to pop the stud out of the steering knuckle.
• Do not hammer on the knuckle or stud.

Step 6: Remove the old tie rod end

• Count the turns as you unscrew the old tie rod end from the inner tie rod.
• Use the 24mm open-end wrench if needed to hold the inner tie rod.
• Match the same number of turns when installing the new part.

Step 7: Install the new tie rod end

• Thread the new tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns counted during removal.
• Install the stud into the steering knuckle.
• Install the new lock nut and tighten with the 21mm socket.
• Torque to 45 Nm (33 ft-lbs), then tighten slightly more as needed to align the cotter pin hole.

Step 8: Install the cotter pin and tighten the jam nut

• Insert the new cotter pin with needle-nose pliers.
• Tighten the jam nut using the 24mm open-end wrench and 21mm socket.
• Torque the jam nut to 55 Nm (41 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the lug bolts.
• Lower the car and tighten the wheel bolts with the 19mm socket.
• Torque wheel bolts to 120 Nm (89 ft-lbs).

---

✅ After Repair

• Have the front alignment checked and corrected immediately.
• Test drive slowly and listen for clunks or steering looseness.
• Recheck the jam nut and wheel bolt torque after the test drive.

---

💰 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 1.5-2.0 hours.

---

🎯 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.