How to Replace a Tie Rod End in a Toyota Tacoma

Replacing a tie rod end on your Toyota Tacoma is necessary where there's too much play in the tie rod ends, or when your Tacoma just doesn't track straight, even after an alignment. You can replace the tie rod ends yourself and, after an alignment, find that your truck's performance has improved.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Lug nut wrench
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Chalk or marker
• Tie rod puller
• Tie rod ends
• Torque wrench

1. • 1

     Purchase new outer tie rods for your Toyota Tacoma. These will be specific for various model years. For example, model years 1995 to 2004 will use the same outer tie rod, whereas models from other years will use different ones.

   • 2

     Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with a lug nut wrench, the raise the vehicle on jacks or a lift. Remove the tires once your Tacoma is off the ground.

   • 3

     Remove the cotter pin and loosen the mounting bolt on the outer tie rods, and mark the tie rod end's position on the threaded portion of the tie rod with a marker or a piece of chalk.

   • 4

     Insert a puller, and separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle arm and the relay rod. Inspect the tie rod for cracks or damage. If necessary, you can unscrew the tie rod ends and replace them. Make sure that the tie rods and ends, when screwed on together, measure 12.36 inches long.

   • 5

     Adjust the angle of the tie rod end by turning them until they cross at about a 90-degree angle. Tighten the tube clamps so the tie rod ends don't move. Torque them to 15 to 21 foot pounds.

   • 6

     Connect the tie rods onto the steering knuckle, and torque the mounting bolts to 55 to 79 foot pounds. Replace the cotter pins and the wheels, and then get your Toyota Tacoma aligned.