How to replace the outer tie rod 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 1/5

Turn the brake disc inward to make this operation easier.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/5

You can now see the outer tie rod.

Chapter 4:

Step 3/5

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 4/5

With a marker, trace a line between the inner tie rod and the outer tie rod.

Chapter 4:

Step 5/5

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:

Install the locknut

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 9:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 10:

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 10:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 11:

Install the new outer tie rod

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 11:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 12:

Install the outer tie rod holding nut

Step 1/5

Put the washer in place.

Chapter 12:

Step 2/5

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

Chapter 12:

Step 3/5

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 12:

Step 4/5

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

Chapter 12:

Step 5/5

You can now bend the cotter pin.

Chapter 13:

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 14:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/4

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

Chapter 14:

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 14:

Step 3/4

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

Chapter 14:

Step 4/4

Operation complete.