How to Replace the Outer Tie Rod End on a 2018 GMC Terrain (Front Steering)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment notes
How to Replace the Outer Tie Rod End on a 2018 GMC Terrain (Front Steering)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment notes
🔧 Terrain - Tie Rod End Replacement
On your Terrain, “tie rod end” can mean the outer tie rod end (the part that bolts to the steering knuckle) or the inner tie rod (the part at the steering rack, under the boot). The steps and torque specs are different, so I want to make sure you do the right procedure the first time.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours (plus alignment)
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🛑 Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a jack.
- Keep hands clear while turning steering/suspension parts; pinch points are common.
- If using a pickle fork or hammer, wear safety glasses.
- You will need a front-end alignment after replacement to prevent tire wear.
🔧 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
- Lug nut socket
- 3/8" drive ratchet
- 1/2" drive breaker bar
- Torque wrench (10-200 ft-lbs range)
- Combination wrench set (metric)
- Socket set (metric)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Paint marker
- Tape measure
- Tie rod end puller (specialty)
- Penetrating oil
- Wire brush
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Outer tie rod end - Qty: 1
- Cotter pin - Qty: 1
- Jam nut - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
- Loosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting (use the breaker bar and lug nut socket).
- Spray penetrating oil on the tie-rod jam nut and tie-rod end stud nut, then wait 5–10 minutes.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Before I give the exact OEM torque specs and the correct procedure, answer these 2 quick questions:
- Are you replacing the outer tie rod end at the steering knuckle, or the inner tie rod at the steering rack (under the boot)?
- Is it the left (driver) or right (passenger) side?
Reply with “outer, left” / “outer, right” or “inner, left” / “inner, right”.
âś… After Repair
- Drive straight to a shop for a front alignment after the repair.
- Listen for clunks and verify the steering wheel returns to center normally.
- Recheck lug nut torque after a short test drive.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor + alignment)
DIY Cost: $40-$120 (parts only, alignment extra)
You Save: $130-$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.
🎯 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.
