How to Replace Front Outer Tie Rod 92-00 Toyota Camry

Difficulty: Advanced · About 50 min · Toyota Camry

Replace the front outer tie rod, preserving the original toe setting, on a 1992-2000 Toyota Camry.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nuts with the car on the ground, raise and support it, pull off the hub cap, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.

2. Remove the old outer tie rod

   Check for play by turning the wheel and listening for clunking, measure (or mark) the inner tie rod's position against the lock nut for reinstallation, straighten and pull the cotter pin, loosen the castle nut with a 17mm socket, soak the lock nut in penetrant and loosen it with a 22mm wrench, tap the tie rod loose from the spindle with a hammer, remove the castle nut and tap the tie rod free, then holding the inner tie rod with a 14mm wrench if needed, twist the outer tie rod off with a 19mm wrench and the lock nut off by hand.

3. Install the new outer tie rod

   Spin the lock nut to your marked or measured position, thread the outer tie rod onto the inner one until it meets the lock nut, push the stud into the spindle, torque the castle nut to about 36 ft-lb, insert a new cotter pin with the longer leg facing down and bend it under the nut, adjust the inner tie rod with a 14mm wrench if needed, then hold it steady while tightening the lock nut with a 22mm wrench.

4. Reattach the wheel

   Slide it on, start the lug nuts by hand, lower the car, torque the lug nuts to about 76 ft-lb in a star pattern, then refit the center cap.

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