Replacing an inner tie rod is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure that can be completed in about an hour. However, before you begin, it is important to gather the necessary tools and materials, including a new inner tie rod, a socket wrench, a torque wrench, and a tie rod separator. Once you have gathered your tools and materials, you can begin the process of replacing your inner tie rod.
The first step is to remove the old inner tie rod. To do this, you will need to use a socket wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the tie rod in place. Once the nuts are loose, you can use a tie rod separator to separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Once the tie rod is separated, you can remove it from the vehicle.
The next step is to install the new inner tie rod. To do this, you will need to insert the new tie rod into the steering knuckle. Once the tie rod is in place, you can tighten the nuts that hold it in place. Be sure to tighten the nuts to the correct torque specification. Finally, you will need to reconnect the tie rod to the steering rack. To do this, you will need to use a socket wrench to tighten the nuts that hold the tie rod to the steering rack. Once the nuts are tightened, you will have successfully replaced your inner tie rod.
Preparing the Vehicle
Safety Precautions
Before commencing any work, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Engage the parking brake, support the vehicle securely with jack stands, and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. These measures will prevent accidental movement or electrical hazards.
Tools and Materials
Gather the necessary tools and materials for the task. These typically include:
- New inner tie rod
- Inner tie rod tool or a large wrench
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Penetrating oil
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Removing the Wheel
Identify the affected wheel and remove the lug nuts using a socket wrench. Carefully lift the vehicle using a jack and securely position it on jack stands. Remove the wheel to access the inner tie rod.
Disconnecting the Inner Tie Rod
Locate the inner tie rod. It connects the steering rack to the steering knuckle. Apply penetrating oil to the tie rod ends to loosen any corrosion. Use an inner tie rod tool or a large wrench to carefully loosen the inner tie rod from the steering rack.
Removing the Old Inner Tie Rod
Once the inner tie rod is loose, remove it from the steering rack. Note the orientation of the old inner tie rod, as it must be installed in the same position during reassembly.
Locating the Inner Tie Rod
To find the inner tie rod, begin by locating the steering rack. This is typically found in the front of the vehicle, mounted to the frame or subframe. The inner tie rods will be connected to the steering rack on one end and to the outer tie rods on the other end. Usually, there are two tie rods, one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger’s side.
The inner tie rod is responsible for transmitting the steering force from the steering rack to the wheels. It is a critical component of the steering system and should be replaced if it becomes worn or damaged.
| Tools Required: |
| – Jack and jack stands |
| – Wrenches |
| – Socket set |
| – Tie rod removal tool (optional) |
| Safety Precautions: |
| – Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. |
| – Allow the engine to cool completely before starting any work. |
| – Wear safety glasses and gloves when working on your vehicle. |
Removing the Tie Rod Boot
Removing the tie rod boot is a crucial step in replacing the inner tie rod. Here’s a detailed guide on how to remove it:
1. Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
- Pry bar or flat-head screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Wire brush
- Lubricant
2. Locate the Tie Rod Boot
Identify the tie rod boot, which is the rubber or plastic covering located at the end of the tie rod. It protects the inner tie rod from dirt and moisture.
3. Remove the Boot Clamp
The tie rod boot is secured with a clamp. Here’s how to remove it:
- Use a pry bar or flat-head screwdriver to gently pry open the clamp. Be careful not to damage the boot.
- Once the clamp is open, use needle-nose pliers to remove it completely.
- Inspect the clamp and boot for any damage. Replace them if necessary.
Warning: Be cautious when handling the clamp. It can spring back with force and cause injury. Wear safety glasses and use caution.
| Clamp Type | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Single-Ear Clamp | Pry open the ear and slide it off the boot. |
| Double-Ear Clamp | Pry open both ears and remove the clamp. |
| C-Clamp | Unscrew the bolt and remove the clamp. |
Disconnecting the Ball Joint
To proceed with this stage, you’ll need a ball joint separator, which is a tool specially designed to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
- Position the ball joint separator: Place the ball joint separator over the ball joint and ensure it’s properly aligned.
- Tighten the separator: Gradually tighten the separator’s bolts to apply pressure and separate the ball joint from the spindle.
- Use a hammer or pry bar: If the ball joint is stuck or resists separation, tap the separator with a hammer or use a pry bar to gently force it apart.
- Remove the ball joint: Once the ball joint is separated, carefully remove it from the steering knuckle. Take note of the orientation and position of the ball joint for reinstallation.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ball Joint Separator | A specialized tool designed to safely separate ball joints from steering knuckles. |
| Hammer or Pry Bar | Used to apply force to the ball joint separator if the ball joint is stuck. |
Unscrewing the Inner Tie Rod
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools: a new inner tie rod, a wrench, a torque wrench, and a penetrating oil. Safety first!
Step 1: Gather Tools
Locate all the required tools and ensure they are within easy reach.
Step 2: Loosen the Locknut
Using the wrench, carefully loosen the locknut that secures the inner tie rod to the rack. Do not completely remove it yet.
Step 3: Penetrating Oil Application
Apply a penetrating oil to the threads of the inner tie rod to help loosen any rust or corrosion.
Step 4: Unscrew the Rod
Using the torque wrench, turn the inner tie rod counterclockwise to unscrew it from the rack. Apply gradual force, and check the progress regularly.
Table: Torque Specifications for Inner Tie Rods
| Vehicle | Torque (ft-lbs) |
|—|—|
| Honda Civic | 36 |
| Toyota Camry | 28 |
| Ford F-150 | 45 |
Note: Refer to your vehicle’s specific repair manual for precise torque specifications.
Step 5: Disconnect the Rod
Once the inner tie rod is fully unscrewed, carefully disconnect it from the rack. Be gentle to avoid damaging the rack or the rod.
Installing the New Inner Tie Rod
The inner tie rods are crucial components of a steering system, responsible for translating the steering wheel’s movements into changes in the wheels’ orientation. Replacing an inner tie rod is a relatively straightforward procedure that requires minimal tools and expertise.
Preparing the Vehicle
– Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface.
– Engage the parking brake.
– Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down completely.
Removing the Old Tie Rod
– Locate the inner tie rod on the steering rack.
– Use a wrench to loosen the jam nut securing the inner tie rod to the steering rack.
– Unscrew the inner tie rod from the steering rack using a tie rod removal tool or a spanner.
Installing the New Inner Tie Rod
– Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of the new inner tie rod.
– Screw the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack by hand.
– Use a wrench to tighten the jam nut until it is snug.
– Use a torque wrench to tighten the jam nut to the specified torque, typically in the range of 25-35 foot-pounds.
Adjusting the Toe
– Once the new inner tie rod is installed, the toe of the wheels needs to be adjusted to ensure proper alignment.
– Drive the vehicle for a short distance to allow the suspension to settle.
– Use a tape measure or an alignment rack to measure the distance between the front and rear tires on both sides of the vehicle.
– Adjust the inner tie rods to equalize the measurements and achieve the desired toe specification.
Tightening the Locknut
– Once the toe is adjusted, use a wrench to tighten the inner tie rod’s locknut.
– Ensure that the locknut is tightened to the specified torque to secure the inner tie rod in place.
Reinstalling the Cotter Pin
– Reinstall the cotter pin through the castle nut and the inner tie rod to prevent the inner tie rod from loosening in operation.
Reconnecting the Ball Joint
Now that the inner tie rod is installed, it’s time to reconnect the ball joint. This process involves reattaching the ball joint to the steering knuckle and securing it with a cotter pin.
Step 7: Reattaching the Ball Joint
Follow these steps to reconnect the ball joint:
- Raise the vehicle: Using a jack and jack stands, raise the vehicle off the ground to provide clearance for working on the ball joint.
- Locate the ball joint: Identify the ball joint on the steering knuckle where the inner tie rod connects.
- Clean the surfaces: Wipe down the ball joint and the mating surface on the steering knuckle to remove any dirt or debris.
- Apply grease: Apply a generous amount of grease to the ball joint stud and the inside of the ball joint socket.
- Insert the ball joint: Align the ball joint stud with the socket on the steering knuckle and insert it into place.
- Secure the ball joint: Insert the cotter pin through the hole in the ball joint stud and the slot in the steering knuckle. Bend the ends of the cotter pin to secure it.
- Tighten the cotter pin: Use pliers to tighten the cotter pin by bending the ends inwards until they are flush with the surface of the steering knuckle.
Note: If the cotter pin holes do not line up, turn the steering wheel slightly to adjust the position of the ball joint.
Positioning the Tie Rod Boot
Once the inner tie rod is installed, position the tie rod boot over the ball joint and the inner tie rod end. Ensure that the boot is correctly aligned and that it sits snugly around the joint.
Securing the Boot with a Zip Tie
Use a zip tie to secure the boot’s larger end to the inner tie rod housing and the smaller end to the ball joint housing. Tighten the zip ties securely but avoid overtightening, which could damage the boot.
Lubricating and Installing the Tie Rod End Seal
Apply a small amount of lithium-based grease to the inner tie rod end seal. Slide the seal over the tie rod end and secure it using the Torx bolts or clips provided in the kit. Ensure that the seal is seated properly and that the bolts are adequately tightened.
Installing the Outer Tie Rod End
Remove the old outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Install the new tie rod end by inserting it into the steering knuckle and tightening the castle nut. Ensure that the lock washer is correctly positioned to prevent the castle nut from loosening.
Torquing the Castle Nut
Use a torque wrench to tighten the castle nut according to the specified torque value provided in the vehicle’s repair manual or the tie rod kit instructions. This ensures that the tie rod end is securely connected and that the steering system is operating correctly.
Locking the Castle Nut
Lock the castle nut by bending one or two prongs of the cotter pin into the nearest notch on the tie rod end. Ensure that the cotter pin is properly installed and that it holds the castle nut securely in place.
Checking for Binding and Clearance
With the tie rods installed, turn the steering wheel and check for any binding or interference between the tie rods and other components. Ensure that there is sufficient clearance between the tie rods and the suspension and steering components to prevent contact and ensure proper operation.
Road Test and Re-Examination
After completing the installation, test drive the vehicle to check for any unusual noises or handling issues. Re-inspect the tie rods and surrounding components after the test drive to ensure that everything is properly secured and functioning correctly.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Torque wrench | Tightening castle nut to specified torque |
| Cotter pin | Locking castle nut in place |
| Zip ties | Securing tie rod boot |
| Lithium-based grease | Lubricating tie rod end seal |
Reinstalling the Wheel
Once the inner tie rod is installed, you can reinstall the wheel. To do this, follow these steps:
- Place the wheel on the hub.
- Thread the lug nuts onto the wheel studs by hand.
- Tighten the lug nuts using a lug wrench.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Tighten the lug nuts further using a torque wrench. The torque specification for your vehicle can be found in the owner’s manual.
- Install the hubcap or wheel cover.
- Repeat steps 1-6 for the other three wheels.
- Check the tire pressure and adjust it to the recommended level.
- Test drive the vehicle to make sure that the inner tie rod is working properly.
Additional Tips for Reinstalling the Wheel
Here are some additional tips for reinstalling the wheel:
- Make sure that the wheel is properly seated on the hub.
- Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to evenly distribute the force.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the correct specification.
- Check the tire pressure and adjust it to the recommended level.
- Test drive the vehicle to make sure that the inner tie rod is working properly.
| Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Make and Model | Torque (ft-lbs) |
| Ford F-150 | 150 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | 140 |
| Toyota Camry | 80 |
| Honda Accord | 90 |
Testing the Inner Tie Rod
To test the inner tie rod, you will need to:
Here is a table summarizing the steps for testing the inner tie rod:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. |
| 2 | Inspect the inner tie rod for any play or movement. |
| 3 | If there is any play or movement, the inner tie rod is worn and needs to be replaced. |
| 4 | Repeat steps 1-3 with the steering wheel turned all the way to the left. |
How To Install Inner Tie Rod
Tie rods connect the steering rack to the steering knuckles, which allow the wheels to turn. They consist of two rods, an inner tie rod, and an outer tie rod. The inner tie rod is connected to the steering rack, and the outer tie rod is connected to the steering knuckle. When the steering wheel is turned, the inner tie rod moves the outer tie rod, which causes the wheels to turn.
To install an inner tie rod, first, you need to remove the old one. To do this, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the jam nut on the inner tie rod. Once the jam nut is loose, you can use a tie rod separator to remove the tie rod from the steering rack.
Once the old inner tie rod is removed, you can install the new one. To do this, you will need to thread the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack. Once the inner tie rod is threaded on, you can tighten the jam nut. Be sure to torque the jam nut to the manufacturer’s specifications.
How to align the inner tie rod
Once the inner tie rod is installed, you need to align it. To do this, you will need to use a tape measure to measure the distance between the center of the wheel and the center of the steering rack. This measurement should be the same on both sides of the vehicle. If the measurements are not the same, you will need to adjust the inner tie rod.
To adjust the inner tie rod, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the jam nut. Once the jam nut is loose, you can turn the inner tie rod in or out to adjust the length. Once the inner tie rod is adjusted, you can tighten the jam nut.
People Also Ask About How To Install Inner Tie Rod
How long does it take to install an inner tie rod?
The time it takes to install an inner tie rod will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. However, it typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete the job.
How much does it cost to install an inner tie rod?
The cost to install an inner tie rod will vary depending on the labor rates in your area. However, the parts and labor typically cost between $100 and $200.
Can I install an inner tie rod myself?
Yes, it is possible to install an inner tie rod yourself. However, it is important to note that this is a safety-critical repair. If you are not comfortable working on your vehicle, it is best to take it to a mechanic.
