How to Replace Outer Tie Rod 95-08 Nissan Maxima
Difficulty: Advanced · About 60 min · Nissan Maxima
Replace an outer tie rod, preserving the original toe setting with a measurement, on a Nissan Maxima.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- Adjustable wrench
- 13mm wrench
- 15mm socket
- 19mm socket
- 21mm socket
- Rust penetrant
- Large hammer
- Anti-seize grease
- Needle-nose pliers
- Torque wrench
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
- Length of pipe
Parts and supplies
- Outer tie rod
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts with the car on the ground, then raise and support it and pull the wheel.
- Remove the old tie rod
Measure and note the distance from the boot's end to the tie rod's center, soak the lock nut in penetrant, hold the inner tie rod with a 13mm wrench while loosening the lock nut with an adjustable wrench, pull the cotter pin (or shear its securing bolt if it won't budge), strike the spindle with a hammer to free the stud, then twist the old tie rod off by hand while holding the inner rod steady.
- Install the new outer tie rod
Grease the inner tie rod's threads, twist the new outer tie rod on by hand to match your noted measurement, seat the stud in the spindle, torque its nut to about 55 ft-lb (turning further only to align the cotter-pin hole), fit a new cotter pin, then tighten the lock nut against it while holding the inner rod steady.
- Reinstall the wheel
Torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a crossing pattern.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.