How to replace the outer tie rod 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:

Loosen the holding nut

Step 1/3

Remove the key from the castellated nut of the outer tie rod with pliers.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/3

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

Chapter 5:

Step 3/3

Using a socket wrench and a 17mm socket, unscrew the outer tie rod holding nut.

Chapter 6:

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 6:

Step 2/3

The ball joint should come out of the knuckle.

Chapter 6:

Step 3/3

Unscrew the outer tie rod and remove it.

Chapter 7:

Measure

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 7:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 8:

Install the locknut

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 8:

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 9:

Put the outer tie rod back

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 9:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 10:

Install the outer tie rod holding nut

Step 1/3

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

Chapter 10:

Step 2/3

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

Chapter 10:

Step 3/3

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 11:

Finalise the tightening of the locknut

Step 1/3

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

Chapter 11:

Step 2/3

Use a screwdriver to bend the cotter pin.

Chapter 11:

Step 3/3

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 12:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/4

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

Chapter 12:

Step 2/4

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

Chapter 12:

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 12:

Step 4/4

Operation complete.