Track end rod Replacement's

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Removing the Outer Tie Rod

Remove the Cotter Pin: Use needle-nose pliers to straighten and pull out the cotter pin from the castle nut

Loosen the Castle Nut: Use a 19mm socket with a breaker bar to break it loose, then unscrew it

Disconnect from Knuckle: To pop the tie rod out of the knuckle without damaging it, flip the castle nut upside down, screw it back on, and tap it with a mallet.

The "Spin Count" Method: Loosen the jam nut, then count exactly how many full rotations it takes to unscrew the outer tie rod (e.g., 20 spins). This preserves your alignment well enough to drive to a shop

2. Removing the Inner Tie Rod

Remove the Boot: Pull off the outer clamp. For the inner clamp (often a one-time use metal band), use a screwdriver to pry and break it. Slide the bellows boot off after spraying some silicone to help it slide.

Remove the Safety Pin: Look for a small pin or clip holding the inner tie rod to the rack; pry this out with a screwdriver

Use the Inner Tie Rod Tool: Fit the correct adapter onto the tie rod, slide the long tool over it, and use a ratchet to unscrew the inner tie rod from the steering rack.

3. Installation

Inner Tie Rod: Apply blue Loctite to the threads of the new inner tie rod, Screw it in by hand, then use the specialty tool to torque it

Reinstall the Boot: Slide the boot back on, ensuring the venting tube is properly aligned

Secure it with a zip tie if the original clamp was sacrificial.

Outer Tie Rod: Screw the new outer tie rod on using the exact same number of spins recorded earlier (e.g., 20 spins)

Final Assembly: Tighten the jam nut against the outer tie rod. Insert the tie rod into the knuckle, tighten the castle nut (torque to 46 foot-pounds), and install a new cotter pin.

Greasing: If the new tie rod has a grease fitting (Zerk fitting), screw it in and use a grease gun to fill the boot until it expands.

Important Note: After completing this repair, it is essential to take the vehicle to a professional shop for a wheel alignment