Thread: Outer Tie Rods Write-Up

Anyone have a write up on how to do them?

Easy to change. Where the outer tie rod and inner tie rod join, there is a jam nut. Break that loose. Take the nut off the bottom of the tie rod where it goes through the knuckle. You might need to smack the bottom of the tie rod with a hammer to knock it loose from the knuckle. Spin the outer tie rod off from the inner tie rod. It is threaded on to the same threads as the jam nut. Reassemble with new tie rod end and get it aligned.

Take it to a shop and get the tires aligned?

Yes. The tie rod is what adjusts how much toe in the wheel has. You'll notice after changing it that the steering wheel will be off driving forward in a straight line. You can get it pretty close if you adjust it until the steering wheel sits in the same place it did with the old tie rod end. You should have it aligned at a shop to make sure it is right on.

Ok sounds good.. Im changing both fronts.

If you want to get it close on the alignment, do one side at a time. Adjust it until it tracks straight then do the other side and adjust that side until it tracks straight. It will be close enough that you won't chew up your tires until you can get it for the alignment.

Ok do i take of the tire and the caliper and rotor?or just jack it up?

You can do it with the wheel and tire on, but it will be easier if you take it off. No need to touch the brakes. When you are adjusting it, just snug the jam nut down so you can adjust it easy by turning the wheel all way to one side so you can reach in and adjust it without jacking it up or taking the wheel back off. Once you have it straight, tighten the jam nut down hard.

One other thing to have ready is a way to cut the bottom stud of the tie rod. I've had some that once I broke the castle nut loose, the stud would turn and the nut wouldn't come off. I've had to cut a few so make sure you have a way to do that if needed. Most of the time, they come off by grabbing the bottom with a wrench where they give you a flat edge for that purpose.

I bought mood from rock auto.. So to adjust it.. Just turn the wheel as far the side as i can?

Yes. Turning the wheel all the way to one side will give you enough space to reach in and adjust the tie rod end. To make the actual adjustment, loosen the jam nut and turn the inner tie rod end. Turning the inner tie rod left or right will adjust the toe in one way or the other. The jam nut is what holds it in place once you have it adjusted so it won't move on it's own. There is a flat spot on the inner tie rod to put a wrench on.

I wish you had pictures lol

Unfortunately, I don't. You won't have any trouble though. Anybody with basic mechanical skills can change a tie rod end. When you get the new ones, open the box up and look at the parts. It will make perfect sense to you when you look at it and then see how the old one is on the car.

Nice thanks guys.. i guess im making it seem harder then it should be lol

Just turn the jam nut 1/4 turn and then thread the outer off, and thread the new one on you will be close enough to drive it to get aligned, no point to mess with trying to adjust your self.

I sure hope nothing needs to be cut. lol Ill try and take pictures if i can to make a write up

If the stud starts to spin you can have someone pry down on the top of the tie rod with a long pry bar to put pressure on the socket and that should allow you to get the nut off.