How to Remove a Steering Tie Rod

The purpose of the steering tie rod is to keep your tires aligned. A shimmy in the front end of the vehicle while driving or a clunk upon making a turn may mean your steering tie rod end needs replaced. Another indicator that it may need replaced is uneven wear on your tires. These are not signs to be ignored. If a steering tie rod end breaks while you are driving the vehicle, you will be unable to steer your vehicle.

• 1

  Block the rear wheels of the vehicle to prevent rolling, using scraps of lumber or other suitable material.

• 2

  Loosen lug nuts and jack upvehicle until the tire no longer touches the ground. Place the jack stand under the frame of the vehicle.

• 3

  Shake the tire by hand to the left and right. If there is movement of the tie-rod end during this time, you will know which tie-rod end needs to be replaced.

• 4

  Remove the lug nuts and remove tire to access the tie-rod end.

• 5

  Remove the cotter pin and nut holding the tie rod to the steering arm.

• 6

  Loosen the jam nut and mark the threaded rod with a paint marker to help ensure the toe-in setting is restored when you reassemble.

• 7

  Use the tie rod removal tool to free the tie rod from the steering arm.

• 8

  Unscrew the tie-rod end from the tie rod.