How to replace the inner and outer tie rods 2011-2017 Toyota Camry

Chapter 1:

Set up

Step 1/2

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 1:

Step 2/2

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Chapter 2:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/3

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

Chapter 2:

Step 2/3

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

Chapter 2:

Step 3/3

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 1/2

With a 19mm wrench, loosen the locknut on the outer tie rod. Hold the inner tie rod with a 20mm wrench to prevent it from turning.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/2

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 5:

Remove the outer tie rod

Step 1/5

Remove the key 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 socket wrench and a 17mm socket, 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.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 7:

Remove the sleeve

Step 1/4

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

Chapter 7:

Step 2/4

With a cutter, cut the external part of the sleeve so that you can remove it.

Chapter 7:

Step 3/4

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

Chapter 7:

Step 4/4

Remove the sleeve.Remove the waterproof clip on the sleeve.

Chapter 8:

Remove the inner tied rod

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 8:

Step 2/2

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 9:

Put the inner tied rod back

Step 1/5

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

Chapter 9:

Step 2/5

Before installing the new inner tie rod, apply a medium threadlocker to prevent accidental unscrewing.

Chapter 9:

Step 3/5

Put the inner tie rod back on the steering rack.

Chapter 9:

Step 4/5

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

Chapter 9:

Step 5/5

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

Chapter 10:

Install the protective sleeve

Step 1/3

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

Chapter 10:

Step 2/3

Then position the inner collar correctly.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 10:

Step 3/3

Place the sleeve on the shock steering rack. Then screw the inner clamp back on using a ratchet and a 7 mm socket. Replace the outer collar.

Chapter 11:

Install the locknut

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 11:

Step 2/2

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 12:

Put the outer tie rod back

Step 1/5

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

Chapter 12:

Step 2/5

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

Chapter 12:

Step 3/5

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

Chapter 12:

Step 4/5

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

Chapter 12:

Step 5/5

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 13:

Finalise the reassembly

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 13:

Step 2/2

Use a screwdriver to bend the cotter pin.

Chapter 14:

Finalise the tightening of the locknut

Step 1/1

Finish tightening the locknut using an adjustable wrench by holding the inner tie rod still with the help of a 19mm wrench to avoid damaging the tie rod.

Chapter 15:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/4

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

Chapter 15:

Step 2/4

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

Chapter 15:

Step 3/4

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 15:

Step 4/4

Operation complete.