How to replace the outer tie rod 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

Chapter 1:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/3

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake. Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Chapter 1:

Step 2/3

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

Chapter 1:

Step 3/3

Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle! Turn the disc outwards, this will facilitate the following steps.

Chapter 2:

Tips

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 2:

Step 2/2

This will be useful later on during its assembly and disassembly.

Chapter 3:

Loosen the locknut

Step 1/4

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

Chapter 3:

Step 2/4

Hold the inner tie rod with a 23mm wrench to prevent it from turning.

Chapter 3:

Step 3/4

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 3:

Step 4/4

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:

Loosen the holding nut

Step 1/2

Using a socket wrench and a 21mm socket, unscrew the outer tie rod holding nut.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/2

If the ball joint turns, use a ratchet and a 13/32” socket to block rotation of the ball joint.

Chapter 5:

Remove the outer tie rod

Step 1/3

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

Chapter 5:

Step 2/3

The ball joint should come out of the knuckle.

Chapter 5:

Step 3/3

Unscrew the outer tie rod and remove it.

Chapter 6:

Measure

Step 1/4

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

Chapter 6:

Step 2/4

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

Chapter 6:

Step 3/4

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 4/4

Remove the locknut from the inner tie rod.

Chapter 7:

Install the locknut

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 7:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 8:

Install the new outer tie rod

Step 1/4

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

Chapter 8:

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 8:

Step 3/4

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

Chapter 8:

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.

Chapter 9:

Install the outer tie rod holding nut

Step 1/4

Do not grease the inside of the cone.

Chapter 9:

Step 2/4

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

Chapter 9:

Step 3/4

Put the castellated nut supplied with the new part in place and tighten it using a ratchet and 21mm socket.

Chapter 9:

Step 4/4

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 10:

Finalise the reassembly

Step 1/3

Take the key and fit it into the castle nut.

Chapter 10:

Step 2/3

Use a screwdriver to bend the key.

Chapter 10:

Step 3/3

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

Chapter 11:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/3

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

Chapter 11:

Step 2/3

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

Chapter 11:

Step 3/3

Operation complete.