Tie Rod - Outer: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Thread outer tie rod onto inner tie rod. Make sure jam nut is on inner tie rod before installing outer tie rod. Do not tighten jam nut at this time.
Install tie rod end seal boot heat shield on the tie rod end. See Figure.

Install outer tie rod into steering knuckle. Start tie rod-to-steering knuckle attaching nut onto tie rod stud. While holding tie rod stud stationary using a socket, use a crowfoot on a torque wrench to tighten tie rod nut to 55 N.m (40 ft. lbs.) torque. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Torquing Tie Rod Nut

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - HEAT SHIELD

2 - OUTER TIE ROD

3 - STEERING KNUCKLE

4 - TORQUE WRENCH

5 - 11/32 SOCKET

6 - CROWFOOT

CAUTION: During the following step, do not allow the steering gear boot to become twisted.

Tighten tie rod jam nut to 75 N.m (55 ft. lbs.) torque. See Figure.
Install tire and wheel assembly. Progressively tighten the wheel nuts in a criss-cross tightening sequence to 135 N.m (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
Lower vehicle.
Adjust front wheel alignment toe setting. (Refer to SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)