Hey Guys/Gals,

I was in need of some help to replace my worn out passenger side tie rod end on my 2004 X-Type Sport. It is loose/easily moves back and forth.

I picked up the part, Got the tire off and didn't exactly know where to start, Can any of you help me out?

Thanks in advanced, I wanted to stay clear of my Dealership.

 

Firstly, I can't help you but someone who can will probably be along soon.

Usually tie rod ends are not that difficult to change, so should be easy.
I would suggest that if one has gone the others probably not in much better shape....as they don't cost much it'd be a good idea to change them as a pair

 

1. Loosen the lock nut on the inside end of the tie rod.
2. Remove the tie rod end retaining nut,
3. Drive a tie rod fork between the tie rod and the steering knuckle to break the tie rod free from the knuckle.
4. Bring the lock nut back until it just touches the tie rod. You don't want it so tight against the tie rod that you can't unscrew the tie rod. This is to give you an idea how far to screw the new tie rod onto the shaft.
5. Unscrew the tie rod and count how many revolutions you turn it before it comes off.
6. Install the new tie rod by threading it on the same number of revolutions it took to remove it. It should be up against the lock nut at this point.
7. Install the tie rod into the knuckle and tighten the nut. Someone else will have to tell you the amount to tighten the nut (If you have a torque wrench!)
8. Tighten the lock nut on the inside end of the tie rod.
9. Install wheel
10. Remove jackstand and lower the car.
11. Drive to the front end shop and have an alignment done.

 

fabfive, I would recommend using a tape measure to go between two points on the front steering linkage. This way, regardless of how the threads are made, by doing a length measurement, you can get things back to where they need to be the first time. I've had a few cars that drove better after replacing the tie rods and no alignment than they did with the bad tie rods.

Other than that, the above how-to is pretty inclusive and should get you on your way.

 

Thanks to both of ya for the help, Hopefully its warm enough over the weekend to get this done.

- FabFive

 

hey dudes,
this is quite crazy as I jumped on the forum to look for instructions on replacing an outer tie rod end on passenger front side, and it was the first thread... weird

what a resource

Jagbag Firestone wanted to charge me $120 for 1 end and $70 labor. I found a pair of tie rod ends on ebay for $50.

 

Any pics of where the tie rod end is on the front hubs? Inside and towards the rear, right?

Any other tool I can use other than a tie rod fork? Needle nose pliers work?

 

Humy, If you were closer we would be able to figure this out lol. I have the same exact issue, the right tie rod end.

I was checking out youtube and came across this, not the same car but just for an idea:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYIDz...feature=fvwrel

Good Luck Bro

- FabFive

 

You can borrow a tie rod fork from AutoZone. You pay a fee but get it back when you return the tool. This is the easiest and quickest way to remove it without risking damage to the knuckle.

 

funny story about autozone. i borrowed their piston tool when changing the Jags brakes. but the f'n passenger rear caliper turns counterclockwise, no tool for that!

 

anyone know how many lbs of pressure? I can use my torque wrench if needed