How to Replace an Outer Tie End

Outer Tie End

The outer tie rod end causes the steering wheel to turn back and forth each time the driver turns the steering wheel. You will find that they adapt to your vehicle’s maneuvers, enduring extreme pressure and still being able to deliver responsive steering.

There is no doubt that the outer tie end is the main component of the steering system. As a result of constant movement and stress, they will eventually become worn out. You can replace a worn tie rod end yourself if an inspection indicates that it’s worn.

You may also like to learn about; How to Replace a Radiator of Your Car?

When To Replace Outer Tire Rode?

In steering wheels, tie rod ends provide the connection between the steering knuckle and steering rack, and are largely responsible for turning the wheels. With the turning of the steering wheel, the steering system reacts via rack and pinion, ultimately causing the outer tie rod ends to push or pull to turn the wheel. If a tie rod fails, the vehicle could lose control and the wheel could break completely free, two extremely dangerous situations that can be avoided by preventive maintenance. Some common symptoms of worn outer tie rods include:

• Lose control of steering wheel
• The uneven wear of tires
• Vehicle pulling
• Hear sounds like rattling noise or chuckling noise

Generally, you will notice that the problems occurring with the steering wheel and suspension system share the same signs and noises. So, it would be a better decision to visually inspect the part of the problem. Visual inspection of the tie rod will demonstrate whether the boot cover has been damaged. If the boot cover has been damaged, it will reduce performance or cause the part to fail.

Test Outer Tie Rod For Excess Wear

If you experience any one of the symptoms that have been listed above, then you have to go through a test that will determine if the issue occurs with the outer tie component or with another vehicle part.

1. At first, raise the vehicle just enough to prevent the wheel from touching the ground.
2. Secondly, make sure to put your hands in positions nine and three and move the wheel left and right. If it is in good shape, then the wheel would be turned easily. But, if there is excess wear, then the wheel will shake as though the lug nuts are loose. This is the most common problem that arises and shows the sign to replace the tie rod.

How To Replace an Outer Tie Rod End

The tire rod ends are the most critical components of the vehicle’s steering system. It connects the wheels to the steering rack, with one on each side. There are composed of two main parts:

• Inner End
• Outer End

Eventually, they can wear and tear, decreasing their functionality and compromising their performance.

Furthermore, you will get to know how to replace your vehicle’s outer tire rod end. If you have the right tools and equipment with you and some basic knowledge, then the job can be fairly done without facing any difficulty even if you are a beginner. If you have a professional mechanic near your neighborhood then you can get service from there but it would be costly. However, why would you even bother if you can do the replacement on your own?

Steps Of The Replacement Of Outer Tie Rod End

1. Park Your Car On Plane Surface

Always make sure to park your car on a flat surface for your safety. It’s a blessing to have a car ramp in the garage because it will make working so much easier.

It’s a blessing to have a car ramp in the garage because it will make working so much easier. Otherwise, you will need to use a floor jack so you can raise the front end.

2. Remove the Wheel

After this, your car is in a stable position, now you can easily start taking out your wheels. Firstly, tale out all the lug nuts and then the wheel. Otherwise, you will need to use a floor jack so you can raise the front end. You can easily repair it by turning the steering wheel to the left so that the tie rod can be pushed outside.

3. Remove the Tie Rod End

Use a wrench to loosen the pinch nut. This is responsible for holding the outer tie rod end in place and keeping it from moving out of place. Once it loosens, it would be easier for you to have it twisted.

4. Take Out Cotter Pin

The next step is that you have to remove the next part which is ‘cotter pin’. It is located between the steering knuckle and the rod. To remove the cotter pin, straighten the pin with needle-nose pliers. You should complete pulling off the castle nut using a socket and a wrench after you have removed the cotter pin. Doing so will allow you to remove the outer tie rod end.

5. Remove the Outer Tie Rod End

There is one special tool that can make the whole replacement process easier, but most of you won’t have it at your home. Another option is to screw the castle nut on the bottom of the nut. You can push the rod out with a hammer or mallet. Loosen the castle nut and pull the rod out.

6. Replace the Outer Tie Rod End

Once it has been successfully removed, the next step you have to do is to replace it. At the start, inspect whether the new one is similar to the old one. The length of the outer tie rod should be the same so that alignment would be straight.

Attach the tie rod to the end. Continue turning until it is fully secured. Attach the tie rod to the knuckle. Simply hand-tighten the castle nut to replace the previous one. Make sure that the cotter pin hole is aligned and that it is secured. You can secure the tie rod in place by tightening the nut toward the tie rod end.

7. Put the Tires Back On Position

Everything must be in place. Make sure that the connections are secure. Once you have checked the tires, return them, and you are done!

Conclusion

How an outer tie rod end can be replaced has been discussed above, and it’s evident that if you have the right tools and have knowledge on how to do the job it’s not difficult. Remember, however, to observe caution, as if you do this incorrectly, the performance of your steering system could be compromised.