Car Care
Replacing Tie-Rod Ends
Tie one—or two—on for better control
Created by Tom MorrSteering and brakes are two vehicular systems that are often best left to professional mechanics to diagnose and repair. However, certain routine-maintenance procedures in these areas don't require any special knowledge or skill.
Tie-rod ends are steering-system components that can often be easily replaced by the average-skilled car owner. The only non-standard tool necessary for the job is a puller: either a special tie-rod end puller or a 2-jaw unit. (The necessary puller can often be borrowed or rented from your local auto-parts store.)
Installation Tips
> Refer to a service manual for fastener torque specifications and for any procedures that are unique to your vehicle.
> Unlock the steering wheel before jacking up the vehicle. This allows the steering linkage to be moved for the best possible access to the ends' fasteners (especially on front-wheel-drive cars such as the one shown here) by grabbing one of the axle hubs.
> Secure the vehicle on jackstands before removing the tires/wheels.
> Buy name-brand tie-rod ends—saving a few dollars on cheaply made parts isn't worth the risk.
> Mark the tie-rod ends' positions on their threaded adjusters before removing the old ends. This way, the new ends can be screwed in to approximately the same position as the old ones to get wheel alignment in the ballpark.
> Have the vehicle professionally aligned afterward, especially if the steering wheel isn't centered and/or the vehicle pulls one direction when attempting to drive straight.
Signs of Failure
> Front end shimmy, shake and/or vibration.
> Abnormal front end noise.
> Hard steering.
> Steering wheel doesn't return to center properly.
> Vehicle wanders.
> Steering feels unstable, loose or has excessive play.
Step 1
Always buy name-brand tie-rod ends. Also beware that each side is threaded differently, so the part numbers should be different. Ask the parts person to label left and right.
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Step 2
With the vehicle raised, secured, and its front tires/wheels removed, begin the tie-rod end job by loosening the pinch bolt on the end itself or on the adjuster sleeve (depending on end style).
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Step 5
Before unscrewing the old ends, mark their positions so that the new ones can be installed in roughly the same positions.
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Step 7
Install the new rubber boots on the replacement tie-rod ends then reverse the disassembly procedure. Always use the new hardware and cotter pins that come with the replacement ends and torque all fasteners to factory spec.
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Step 8
Lube the new ends until the grease seeps from behind the boots. Then wipe off any excess external grease.
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