How to Replace the Outer Tie Rod End on a 2020 Subaru Forester (DIY Guide)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, torque notes, and alignment checklist
How to Replace the Outer Tie Rod End on a 2020 Subaru Forester (DIY Guide)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, torque notes, and alignment checklist
🔧 Forester - Tie Rod End Replacement
On your Forester, the “tie rod end” is usually the outer tie rod end at the steering knuckle. Replacing it is straightforward, but the car will need an alignment afterward because it affects toe (how straight the tires point).
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours (one side)
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🛑 Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a jack.
- 🧤 Wear safety glasses; rust/metal flakes fall when separating the joint.
- 🧯 If you use a torch for stuck parts, keep heat away from the CV boot (rubber axle boot) and brake hose.
- 📏 Plan on a professional alignment after replacement to avoid 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
- Lug nut socket (19mm)
- Breaker bar (1/2")
- Torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs)
- Open-end wrench set (17mm-22mm)
- Socket set (10mm-22mm)
- Pliers
- Side cutters
- Tie rod end puller (specialty)
- Hammer (16 oz)
- Penetrating oil
- Paint marker
- Tape measure
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Outer tie rod end - Qty: 1
- Cotter pin - Qty: 1
- Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- 🧱 Park on level ground, steering wheel centered, and set the parking brake.
- 🪵 Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
- 🧴 Spray penetrating oil on the jam nut (lock nut on the tie rod) and the tie-rod-end stud nut. Let it soak 5–10 minutes.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Before I give you the exact torque specs for your Forester, answer these 2 quick questions:
- Which side are you replacing: driver or passenger?
- Are you replacing the outer tie rod end at the wheel/knuckle (most common), or the inner tie rod at the steering rack?
Reply with those two details and I’ll post the full step-by-step with the correct torque values, alignment-safe counting method, and any side-specific notes.
✅ After Repair
- 🧭 Get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible.
- 🔍 Recheck for any looseness: with the wheel off the ground, gently wiggle at 3-and-9 o’clock.
- 👂 Test drive at low speed first; listen for clunks and confirm the steering wheel stays centered.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor + alignment)
DIY Cost: $40-$120 (parts only)
You Save: $130-$350 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-1.5 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.
