Tie rod ends are an important part of the steering mechanism.With a few basic tools and a little bit of know-how, anyone can do this on their own.
Step 1: The front tires need to be loosened a bit.
This can be done with a tire iron or impact wrench.The weight of the car will keep the wheels from turning.You can loosen the nuts by doing this.
Step 2: The front end needs to be raised.
Refer to your service manual for jacking points.Take care of the vehicle with jack stands and rear tires.Leaving the vehicle on the jack alone is not safe.
Step 3: The wheel can be removed.
Take the nuts off of the wheel and put them in the wheelbase.Put the wheel under the car.If the jack fails, this will provide an extra safety measure.
Step 4: The outer tie rod end is where you need to locate it.
You can see the steering knuckle when you remove the wheel.There will be a shaft going through this knuckle with a castle nut on the bottom and a round head on top.There is a tie rod.
Step 5: There is a tie rod end.
Cars have inner tie rod ends as well.Find the outer tie rod end.Go underneath the car until you reach the inner tie rod end.
Step 6: Use a wrench to loosen the pinch nut.
This nut is used to hold the outer tie rod end in place and prevent it from moving.You can twist the tie rod end if it is loosened.The inner tie rod end must be twisted off.
Step 7: The outer tie rod end has a pinch nut on it.
You will know how far to thread on the replacement if you mark the location of your outer tie rod end.Don't tighten the pinch nut.You won't be able to turn the outer tie rod end if you do.
Step 8: The cotter pin needs to be taken out.
The tie rod end meets the steering knuckle.Pull the pin out with a pair of needle nose pliers.The cotter pin should be thrown away.It should not be used again.
Step 9: The castle nut can be removed with a properly sized tool.
The cotter pin went through this nut.It holds the end of the tie rod.You can remove the outer tie rod end if you remove it.
Step 10: Take the outer tie rod end out of the steering knuckle.
You can use either a tie rod puller or a ball joint separator.There is a tool between the steering knuckle and the outer tie rod end.Use it to remove the steering knuckle shaft.
Step 11: The outer tie rod end needs to be removed.
You can twist the outer tie rod end off of the inner one.To loosen, turn it clockwise.You can tighten the replacement the same number of turns if you count how many turns it takes.It helps keep your alignment as close as possible.
Step 12: The boot must be removed from the inner tie rod end.
If you are replacing tie rod ends, only do this.The pinch nut needs to be removed.Next, take a pair of pliers and remove the boot from the inner tie rod end.You will need a flat head screwdriver to break the clip on the far side of the boot.If you want to break it, insert the screwdriver and twist it.You can remove the boot.
Step 13: The tie rod end should be removed.
Some cars have a small pin that needs to be removed before the rod can be turned.Remove the pin with a flathead screwdriver.The flathead might need a few taps and a hammer to start.The tie rod end can be removed once the pin has been removed.To do this, you will need a large, deep sockets that fits over the inner tie rod end.The tie rod removal tool can be found in any part store that sells a tool program.The tie rod should be loosened by twisting the end counterclockwise.Remove it from the car.If you are able to gain access to the inner tie rod end, you can use a wrench.It's easier to fit a sockets onto the inner tie rod with an adaptor that fits over it.
Step 14: Make sure your new tie rod end is close to the old one.
Don't use the new tie rod end unless you know that it's compatible with your vehicle.They should be the same size and shape.It is even better if they are the same length.
Step 15: Attach the inner tie rod to the steering gear.
This should be done with the same tool.To find the correct Torque value, you need to check your owner's manual.To twist the inner tie rod end, use a Torque wrench.
Step 16: The boot should be put onto the tie rod.
They are a one time use only and you will have to replace the clip that you broke.It's a good idea to have one before you start the job.Attach the new clip when you slide the boot up the inner tie rod end.The second clip on the boot needs to be refastened.There is a vent port on the boot that needs to be lined up with a tube.
Step 17: The pinch nut needs to be Threaded back on.
Before you put the outer tie rod end on, you need to do this.Take the pinch nut up the shaft so that it doesn't interfere with the outer tie rod end being put on.
Step 18: The inner tie rod shaft should be Threaded with the new outer tie Rod end.
You should thread it with the same number of turns it took to take it off.Attach the pinch nut to the tie rod end.The pinch nut needs to be tightened to keep the tie rod from moving.
Step 19: The tie rod end needs to be connected to the steering knuckle.
The knuckle of the tie rod end is the same as the shaft.You can move the knuckle and tie rod end to align them.
Step 20: The castle nut needs to be tightened.
The tie rod end needs to be secured.Torque specifications for this bolt can be found in your owner's manual.
Step 21: The cotter pin needs to be replaced.
Make sure the castle nut is in line with the tie rod end shaft.Take the cotter pin through the hole and wrap it around the castle nut.This prevents the castle nut from being loosened.Don't forget to install a new cotter pin.The old pen should not be used again.
Step 22: The tie rod end has grease fitting on it.
There is a grease fitting that screws into the top of the tie rod end.You should install it now if this is the case for you.
Step 23: The tie rod end assembly needs grease applied generously.
If your tie rod ends come with a grease fitting, this is not necessary.Grease should be applied on the outside of the tie rod end with a grease gun.Grease should be put on the outside of the tie rod end.
Step 24: Put the excess grease in a container.
Damage to the brakes will be prevented by this.
Step 25: The pinch nut needs to be tightened
To tighten the pinch nut against the tie rod end, use an open end wrench.This will make sure that your vehicle is back in alignment.
Step 26: The wheel must be replaced.
Use a star pattern to tighten the lugs.
Step 27: Lower the vehicle to the ground.
Lift the car off of the jack stands by using the floor jack.
Step 28: The nuts should be tightened.
Use a wrench or impact to tighten the nuts.Continue to tighten in a star pattern.
Step 29: The tie rod ends must be installed on the other side.
The process is the same if you need to replace both sides.
Step 30: The front end should be aligned.
You will need to have your front end aligned by a professional if you have altered parts steering system.