How to Replace Outer Tie Rod 03-05 Honda Civic

Difficulty: Advanced · About 40 min · Honda Civic

Replace the outer tie rod, preserving the original toe setting, on a 2003-2005 Honda Civic.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the 19mm lug nuts with the car on the ground, raise and support it, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.

2. Remove the old outer tie rod

   Loosen the 24mm lock nut with a 21mm wrench and hammer, note how far you turn the inner tie rod so you can match it later, remove the 24mm nut from the tie rod end, pull the cotter pin with needle-nose pliers, remove the ball joint nut, strike the knuckle with a hammer to loosen the tie rod, then twist it off by hand.

3. Install the new outer tie rod

   Twist it onto the inner tie rod, push it into the knuckle, fasten the castle nut and torque it to about 32 ft-lb, push a new cotter pin through it and bend it with pliers, confirm the inner tie rod is in its correct position, hold the tie rod with an 18mm wrench, then tighten the 24mm lock nut.

4. Reattach the wheel

   Slide it on, start the lug nuts by hand, lower the car, then torque the lug nuts to about 80 ft-lb in a star pattern.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.