🔧 Accord - Outer Tie Rod End Replacement

This repair replaces the outer tie rod ends on your Accord. The outer tie rod end connects the steering rack to the steering knuckle, and a worn one can cause clunking, wandering, uneven tire wear, or loose steering.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours for both sides

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support your Accord with jack stands. Never work with the vehicle held only by a floor jack.
• ⚠️ Tie rod ends are steering safety parts. Loose or incorrectly installed parts can cause loss of steering control.
• ⚠️ Do not hammer directly on the threaded tie rod stud. This can damage the threads.
• ⚠️ Count the turns when removing the old tie rod end. This helps keep the alignment close enough to drive to an alignment shop.
• ⚠️ A wheel alignment is required after this repair.
• ⚠️ 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 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 19mm lug nut socket
• 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• 1/2-inch drive torque wrench
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 22mm wrench
• 19mm wrench
• Needle-nose pliers
• Outer tie rod separator tool (specialty)
• Paint marker
• Tape measure
• Penetrating oil

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front outer tie rod end - Qty: 2
• Outer tie rod end castle nut - Qty: 2
• Outer tie rod end cotter pin - Qty: 2

Replace in pairs: Replacing both outer tie rod ends keeps steering feel even side-to-side.

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Accord on level ground with the steering wheel centered.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Spray penetrating oil on the tie rod jam nut and the tie rod end nut.
• A jam nut is the locking nut on the inner tie rod that holds the outer tie rod end in place.
• A cotter pin is a small bent safety pin that keeps the castle nut from backing off.
• A tie rod separator is a small puller tool that safely pops the tapered tie rod stud loose from the steering knuckle.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Front Lug Nuts

• Use a 19mm lug nut socket and 1/2-inch drive breaker bar to loosen the front wheel lug nuts one turn while the tires are still on the ground.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.
• Loosen first, lift second.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Front

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of your Accord at the front center jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the front side support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Push the vehicle lightly by hand to confirm it is stable.

Step 3: Remove the Front Wheels

• Use a 19mm lug nut socket to remove the lug nuts.
• Remove both front wheels.
• Place the wheels flat under the sides of the vehicle as an extra safety backup.

Step 4: Mark and Measure the Old Tie Rod Position

• Use a paint marker to mark the inner tie rod threads where the outer tie rod end begins.
• Use a tape measure to measure from the jam nut face to the center of the tie rod stud.
• Write the measurement down for each side.
• This does not replace an alignment, but it helps the vehicle drive straight enough to get one.

Step 5: Loosen the Jam Nut

• Hold the outer tie rod end with a 19mm wrench.
• Use a 22mm wrench to loosen the jam nut about one turn.
• Do not move the jam nut far from your paint mark.
• Keep your reference mark visible.

Step 6: Remove the Cotter Pin and Castle Nut

• Use needle-nose pliers to straighten and pull the cotter pin from the tie rod end stud.
• Use a 17mm socket or 19mm socket to remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud.
• If the nut is rusty, apply penetrating oil and work it slowly.

Step 7: Separate the Tie Rod End from the Knuckle

• Install the outer tie rod separator tool over the tie rod end and steering knuckle.
• Use a 19mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to tighten the separator until the tie rod stud pops loose.
• A tapered stud is cone-shaped and locks tightly into the steering knuckle.
• Remove the tie rod stud from the knuckle by hand.
• A sharp pop is normal.

Step 8: Count Turns and Remove the Old Tie Rod End

• Turn the old outer tie rod end counterclockwise by hand to remove it from the inner tie rod.
• Count the exact number of turns it takes to remove it.
• Write the turn count down for that side.
• Do not move the jam nut unless needed.

Step 9: Install the New Tie Rod End

• Thread the new front outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod by hand.
• Use the same number of turns counted during removal.
• Line it up as close as possible to your paint marker mark and your tape measure measurement.
• Do not tighten the jam nut yet.

Step 10: Attach the Tie Rod End to the Knuckle

• Insert the new tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle by hand.
• Install the new castle nut by hand first.
• Use a 17mm socket or 19mm socket with a 1/2-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the castle nut to Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs).
• If the cotter pin hole does not line up, tighten the nut slightly more until it lines up. Do not loosen it to line up the hole.
• Use needle-nose pliers to install and bend the new cotter pin.

Step 11: Tighten the Jam Nut

• Hold the new outer tie rod end steady with a 19mm wrench.
• Use a 22mm wrench to tighten the jam nut against the tie rod end.
• Tighten the jam nut to Torque to 55 Nm (41 ft-lbs) if your torque wrench and crowfoot setup can access it.
• If using hand wrenches only, make it firmly tight without forcing it.

Step 12: Repeat on the Other Side

• Repeat Steps 4-11 on the other front outer tie rod end using the same tools.
• Use the measurements and turn count for each side separately.

Step 13: Reinstall the Front Wheels

• Install the wheels and start all lug nuts by hand.
• Use a 19mm lug nut socket to snug the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.
• Use the floor jack to raise your Accord slightly, remove the jack stands, and lower it to the ground.
• Use a 1/2-inch drive torque wrench and 19mm lug nut socket to tighten the lug nuts to Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Turn the steering wheel left and right while parked. Make sure nothing binds or rubs.
• ✅ Test drive slowly at first. The steering wheel may be off-center until alignment is completed.
• ✅ Get a professional 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible.
• ✅ Recheck that both cotter pins are installed and bent securely.
• ✅ Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles: Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor, alignment not included)

DIY Cost: $60-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $290-$490 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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