How to replace the inner and outer tie rods 2013 – 2018 Nissan Altima

Chapter 1:

Set up

Step 1/1

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 2:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/3

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Chapter 2:

Step 2/3

Lift the front of your vehicle.

Chapter 2:

Step 3/3

Place the vehicle on the jack stands.

Chapter 3:

Take off the wheels

Step 1/1

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

Chapter 4:

Tips

Step 1/4

Turn the brake disc inward to make this operation easier.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/4

You can now see the outer tie rod.

Chapter 4:

Step 3/4

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 4:

Step 4/4

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 5:

Loosen the locknut

Step 1/2

With a 22mm wrench, loosen the locknut on the outer tie rod.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/2

Hold the inner tie rod with a 21mm wrench to prevent it from turning. The locknut is there to prevent any rotation of the two parts towards each other which could have an impact on the wheel alignment of your vehicle.

Chapter 6:

Loosen the holding nut

Step 1/2

Brush the outer tie rod holding nut and spray it with penetrating oil.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 7:

Remove the outer tie rod

Step 1/5

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

Chapter 7:

Step 2/5

The ball joint should come out of the knuckle.

Chapter 7:

Step 3/5

Unscrew the outer tie rod and remove it.

Chapter 7:

Step 4/5

Use the markings made with the marker to return the locknut to its original position.

Chapter 7:

Step 5/5

Unscrew the outer tie rod and remove it.

Chapter 8:

Measure

Step 1/2

Then, measure the distance between the locknut and the end of the inner tie rod using a caliper.

Chapter 8:

Step 2/2

Remove the locknut from the inner tie rod.

Chapter 9:

Remove the sleeve

Step 1/4

With pliers, remove the external metallic clip on the protective sleeve of the inner tie rod.

Chapter 9:

Step 2/4

Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the waterproof clip on the sleeve.

Chapter 9:

Step 3/4

Remove the sleeve.

Chapter 9:

Step 4/4

Remove the waterproof clip on the sleeve.

Chapter 10:

Remove the inner tied rod

Step 1/3

Using a tie rod removal wrench, a specific tool for carrying out this job, you can now loosen everything without difficulty.

Chapter 10:

Step 2/3

To do this, insert the tool up to the fixed part of the inner tie rod, then with the help of a breaker bar, unscrew the inner tie rod. If the inner tie rod is dented, you can loosen it using an adjustable wrench.

Chapter 10:

Step 3/3

Finish unscrewing by hand.

Chapter 11:

Prepare the inner tied rod

Step 1/2

You can order the inner and outer tie rods used in the video on Carparts.com via the link in the description.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 12:

Install the new inner tie rod

Step 1/3

Put the inner tie rod back on the steering rack.

Chapter 12:

Step 2/3

Still using the same tool or using an adjustable wrench, screw the inner tie rod back in.

Chapter 12:

Step 3/3

Finish tightening using a torque wrench. Then remove the tool.

Chapter 13:

Install the protective sleeve

Step 1/6

Now take the new sleeve and clamps provided in the kit.

Chapter 13:

Step 2/6

Then position the inner collar correctly.

Chapter 13:

Step 3/6

Then apply silicone grease to the part of the sleeve that will be in contact with the steering rack, and the part in contact with the inner tie rod.

Chapter 13:

Step 4/6

Place the sleeve on the shock steering rack.

Chapter 13:

Step 5/6

You can now crimp the collar with collar pliers, or pincers.

Chapter 13:

Step 6/6

Replace the outer collar.

Chapter 14:

Install the locknut

Step 1/1

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

Chapter 15:

Prepare the new outer tie rod

Step 1/2

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 15:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 16:

Install the new outer tie rod

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 16:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 17:

Install the outer tie rod holding nut

Step 1/5

Put the washer in place.

Chapter 17:

Step 2/5

Put the castellated nut supplied with the new part in place and tighten it using a ratchet and 17mm socket.

Chapter 17:

Step 3/5

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 17:

Step 4/5

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

Chapter 17:

Step 5/5

You can now bend the cotter pin.

Chapter 18:

Finalise the tightening of the locknut

Step 1/1

Finish tightening the locknut using a 22mm wrench by holding the outer tie rod still with the help of a 21 mm wrench to avoid damaging the tie rod.

Chapter 19:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/4

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

Chapter 19:

Step 2/4

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 19:

Step 3/4

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

Chapter 19:

Step 4/4

Operation complete.