Tie Rod Replacement
Instructions on how to change

If you feel a bump in the steering when driving over road bumps or curbs, this might be due to worn tie rod ends or inner tie rods. Clicking noises during sudden steering movements can also be symptoms of a defective tie rod. In order to determine the exact cause and replace the defective tie rod, the car must be elevated with a vehicle lift in order to be examined more closely.

This useful tip applies to the exchange of tie rod ends and inner tie rods, which together form the so-called tie rod.

Note: Cleanliness is extremely important when working on the power steering. Incorrect work and contamination can lead to leakage and, in the worst case, to failure of the steering assistance.

1. Lift the vehicle and dismount the front axle wheels.

2. Spray the fastening nut of the tie rod end with rust remover and leave it on for a few minutes.

3. Dismount the front underride guard.

4. Loosen the fastening nut from the tie rod and remove it completely.

5. Remove the tie rod end from the steeringknuckle using an appropriate ball joint separator.

6. Remove the clamp of the bellow on the steering gear.

7. Push the bellow towards the tie rod end.

8. Unscrew the inner tie rod from the rack.

9. Clean the sealing face of the bellow at the steering gear.

10. Clean the lug of the rubber contact surface of the ball joint in the steering knuckle.

Note: Always use new self-locking nuts and bolts for a reliable repair.

11. Screw the new inner tie rod into the rack and tighten it with the tightening torque that has been specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

12. Mount the bellow and close the clamps with the appropriate special tool.

Note: Incorrect mounting of the bellow can lead to corrosion of the rack: the steering gear starts leaking which can lead to a failure in the steering assistance.

13. Secure the ball joint in the steering knuckle and mount the nut. Please observe the tightening torque suggested by the vehicle manufacturer.

Note: During mounting, the ball stud should not turn within the ball joint. This can cause damage inside the ball joint and can lead to early failure.

Tip: Secure the ball stud against twisting with a suitable tool!

14. Mount the front underride guard.

15. Mount the front wheels and tighten them with the tightening torque recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

16. Align the wheels and adjust them if necessary. Observe the vehicle manufacturer specifications!

17. Perform a test drive.

Note: When performing the test drive, pay special attention to the handling while cornering and listen for possible noise emission!