How to replace the outer tie rod 2006-2011 Honda Civic

Chapter 1:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/4

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 1:

Step 2/4

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Chapter 1:

Step 3/4

Lift the front of your vehicle. Place the vehicle on the jack stands.

Chapter 1:

Step 4/4

Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 2:

Visualise

Step 1/1

Turn the brake disc inward to make this operation easier. You can now see the outer tie rod.

Chapter 3:

Tips

Step 1/2

The components to be removed are very often seized up, so don’t hesitate to brush and to use penetrating oil to make removal easier.

Chapter 3:

Step 2/2

With a marker, trace a line between the inner tie rod and the outer tie rod. This will be useful later on during its assembly and disassembly.

Chapter 4:

Loosen the locknut

Step 1/1

With a 24mm wrench, loosen the locknut on the outer tie rod.

Chapter 5:

Remove the outer tie rod

Step 1/5

Hold the outer tie rod to prevent it from turning. Remove the cotter pin from the castellated nut of the outer tie rod with pliers.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/5

Using a wire brush, brush the castellated nut and spray it with penetrating oil.

Chapter 5:

Step 3/5

Using a 19mm wrench, unscrew the outer tie rod holding nut.

Chapter 5:

Step 4/5

If you do not have a ball joint puller, a tool specifically designed for this task, take a hammer and hit the knuckle. The ball joint should come out of the knuckle.

Chapter 5:

Step 5/5

Unscrew the outer tie rod and remove it.

Chapter 6:

Measure

Step 1/2

Use the markings made with the marker to return the locknut to its original position. Then, measure the distance between the locknut and the end of the inner tie rod using a caliper. In any case, a wheel alignment check will have to be carried out by a professional soon after having performed this operation.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/2

Remove the locknut from the inner tie rod.

Chapter 7:

Install the new outer tie rod

Step 1/4

Take the new outer tie rod and unscrew the locknut supplied with it.

Chapter 7:

Step 2/4

Screw the locknut back on until the distance measured with the caliper is reached.

Chapter 7:

Step 3/4

Put the outer tie rod back in place until it touches the locknut.

Chapter 7:

Step 4/4

Using a wire brush, scrub the knuckle, then apply silicone grease to the flat part that will be in contact with the sleeve of the outer tie rod. Do not grease the inside of the cone.

Chapter 8:

Install the outer tie rod holding nut

Step 1/5

Use a wrench to rotate the inner tie rod in order to place the outer tie rod in the correct position.

Chapter 8:

Step 2/5

Put the outer tie rod back in place in the knuckle.

Chapter 8:

Step 3/5

Apply pressure to the outer tie rod using a jack to prevent the ball joint from rotating when tightening the nut.

Chapter 8:

Step 4/5

Put the castellated nut supplied with the new part in place and tighten it using a 19mm wrench.

Chapter 8:

Step 5/5

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 9:

Finalise the tightening of the locknut

Step 1/4

Take the cotter pin and fit it into the castle nut.

Chapter 9:

Step 2/4

You can now bend the cotter pin.

Chapter 9:

Step 3/4

Remove the jack.

Chapter 9:

Step 4/4

Finish tightening the locknut using a 24mm wrench by holding the outer tie rod still with the help of a 22 mm wrench to avoid damaging the tie rod.

Chapter 10:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/2

Then, you will be able to put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Chapter 10:

Step 2/2

Put the car back on the ground and block the wheels properly.

Chapter 11:

Safety tips

Step 1/2

During this operation, you will work on the steering system of your vehicle. A professional alignment check should be performed to ensure that your steering system is once again perfectly adjusted and functioning.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/2

Operation complete.