I called the dealership about my 08 with the intention of swapping the inner and outer tie rod ends. They said the outer were fine but the inner couldn't be done without extra labor having to do with the steering box? I looked at the parts I have, and looked at the front end. There seems to be no difference in any other inner tire rods from similar cars. The inner tie rod tool would unscrew the side that screws in the steering box and the other side connects to the outer tie rod with a sleeve. What are they talking about?

 

It's a rack and pinion system there is no steering box which are usually found in order vehicles .

The inner rack ends and extremely accessible as to the outer tie rod ends , its actually very straightforward due to the way the rack is mounted on the suframe


Unclipped the metal clamp, pulled the steering boot to the side exposing the rack and inner rack end
.

 

ok thanks. So rack and pinion not steering box, got it. To his defense, he's a good mechanic but wasn't actually looking at the car. I think he mixed up my model when the service writer was asking him. Still good to know, I already bought the parts and was looking forward to replacing inner and outer. Thanks!

 

Both the inner and outer rod replacement is straightforward. The loaner tie rod tool I used was too small. I had to get a large adjustable wrench to get the job done.

Remember to get an alignment done afterward... and make sure they unclip the protective boots or they will get ripped up while the rod turns!!