How to change a tie rod axle joint [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change inner tie rod on a car – replacement tutorial

You will need the following to carry out the replacement:

                      a set of suitable tools
                    
                      a torque wrench
                    
                      a ball joint puller
                    
                      a measuring tool
                    
                      a pipe wrench
                    
                      a universal cleaner and a brush
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      сlic-R collar pliers
                    
                      an inner tie rod end wrench

Buy tools

Please note!

The tie rod is an articulated connecting element of the steering system
It transmits the force from the steering gear to the steering knuckle
The tie rod can be supplied either as a separate part or assembled with the tie rod end and dust boot
The tie rod is part of the steering system and is responsible for the toe-in angle
The tie rods are installed on both sides
However, since the components have the same service life, it’s recommended to change them as a pair on the axle
This is also advisable since the wheels have to be aligned after the job is completed

1.

To detect the failure, you should raise the wheel and rock it back and forth. Free play indicates a faulty tie rod or tie rod end

Replacement of a tie rod assembled with the tie rod end
The tie rod end is attached to the tie rod, which has a joint that is connected to the steering rack
2.

To access the tie rod, remove the wheel and turn the steering wheel as far as it will go
3.

Also prepare a jack or a car lift

Be careful!
When using a jack, make sure to use jack stands and wheel chocks
4.

Detach the tie rod end from the steering knuckle and then remove the tie rod itself
5.

Clean the fastener that connects the part to the steering knuckle
6.

Remove the tie rod end. Use a special puller if necessary
7.

To access the fastener on the steering rack shaft, remove the boot clamps and the boot

Important!
The tie rod axle joint, which is attached to the steering rack shaft, is non-adjustableWheel alignment is performed by adjusting the connection between the tie rod and the tie rod end
8.

Do not unscrew this connection right away; first measure the distance from the beginning of the threaded portion on the tie rod to the tie rod end
9.

Before unscrewing the tie rod from the steering rack shaft, return the steering wheel to its original position

Please note!
This reduces the load placed on the steering rack shaft while unscrewing the tie rodSome steering rack shafts have a place on them where they can be secured to minimise the risk of damaging themIn some cases you may need a pipe wrench, which ensures wide and reliable grip, or a special wrench to unscrew the tie rod
10.

Measure the tie rod length from the point where the axle joint rests on the steering rack to the centre of the tie rod end’s ball joint

Important!
The length of the new tie rod end might not be the same as that of the old oneThis distance can be compensated for by screwing in the threaded portion
11.

When assembling the tie rod with the tie rod end, install a new dust boot kit
12.

or make a mark on the threaded portion of the tie rod, mount it on the rack, and put the boot on
13.

Install the tie rod end and treat the connections with an anti-corrosion agent
14.

Secure the tie rod end on the tie rod with a bolt or a lock nut
15.

Before installing the new component, clean the steering rack shaft of old lubricant and apply some new
16.

Apply some threadlocker to the threaded portion and screw in the new tie rod
17.

Be sure to use new fasteners
18.

Tighten all fasteners to the torque recommended by the car manufacturer

AUTODOC recommends:
Make sure that the mounting seats of the boot are free of lubricantOtherwise it might not be reliably secured
19.

Clean the mounting seat of the tie rod end’s ball stud in the steering knuckle

Replacement of a tie rod as a separate part
In this case there is no need to remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle,since the tie rod rotates in the axle joint and can be unscrewed from the tie rod end.
20.

Measure how far the tie rod is screwed into the tie rod end. You will need to know this length when fitting a new component
21.

Also, before unscrewing the tie rod, loosen the boot fastener
22.

Unscrew the tie rod, having first secured the tie rod end

Be careful!
When unscrewing the tie rod, check that the steering knuckle is not turned so much that it damages the brake hose or wiring harness
23.

Check the steering rack shaft for axial and radial play

Please note!
When the steering wheel is being turned, air should be able to escape freely from the bootOtherwise the boot may be damaged or torn offSome designs have a lock tab washer between the steering rack shaft and the tie rodAfter the axle joint is tightened, it is bent to prevent the tie rod from unscrewingThere’s a special mounting seat on the tie rod for securing the boot.
24.

Treat the components with an anti-corrosion agent

Caution!
When using a torque wrench with extension, there is a deviation in the tightening torqueIn that case, set the torque wrench to an average value.
25.

Screw on the lock nut, using your mark as reference, and install the tie rod end
26.

Make sure that the surface the wheel is mounted on is clean and smooth to prevent wheel imbalance
27.

Treat the surface with an anti-corrosion agent
28.

Clean the working surface of the brake disc
29.

After replacing the tie rod, be sure to align the wheels using a special alignment machine