How to Replace the Tie Rod?

[LaMax]

Steps for replacing the tie rod are as follows: 1. Remove the dust cover of the car tie rod. To prevent water from entering the steering gear, the tie rod is equipped with a dust cover. Use pliers and a flat-head screwdriver to separate the dust cover from the steering gear. 2. Remove the connecting screw between the tie rod and the steering knuckle. Use a 16mm wrench to remove the screw connecting the tie rod to the steering knuckle. If no special tools are available, a hammer can be used to tap the connecting part to separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle. 3. Remove the ball joint connecting the tie rod to the steering gear. Some cars have a groove on this ball joint, which can be unscrewed with an adjustable wrench. For cars with a round design, a pipe wrench is needed to remove the ball joint. Once the ball joint is loosened, the tie rod can be taken off. 4. Install the new tie rod. Compare the tie rods to confirm the parts are identical before assembly. First, attach one end of the tie rod to the steering gear and rivet the locking plate on the steering gear. Then, install the screw connecting to the steering knuckle. 5. Tighten the dust cover. This step is crucial. If not handled properly, water entering the steering gear can cause steering noise. Apply adhesive to both ends of the dust cover and secure it with a zip tie. 6. Perform a four-wheel alignment. After replacing the tie rod, a four-wheel alignment must be done to adjust the data within the normal range. Otherwise, incorrect toe-in can lead to tire wear.