How to Replace Outer Tie Rod 07-13 Nissan Altima

Difficulty: Advanced · About 45 min · Nissan Altima

Replace the outer tie rod, preserving the original toe setting with a turn count, on a 2007-2013 Nissan Altima.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Raise the car with minimal weight on the wheel, loosen the five 21mm lug nuts, raise and support it fully, then remove the lug nuts, hub cap, and wheel.

2. Remove the old outer tie rod

   Apply rust penetrant to the jam nut, loosen it with large pliers or a 22mm wrench, remove the cotter pin and the 19mm tie rod end nut, hammer the side of the knuckle to knock the tie rod loose and remove it, then unscrew the outer tie rod from the inner one while counting its turns.

3. Install the new outer tie rod

   Starting with the end pointing down, thread it onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns you counted, insert the end into the knuckle, install and torque the 19mm nut to about 25 ft-lb, tighten the jam nut, then have the car's alignment checked.

4. Reinstall the wheel

   Put it on the studs, refit the hub cap, thread the lug nuts by hand in a star pattern, lower the car with minimal weight on it, torque the lug nuts to about 83 ft-lb in a star pattern, then lower it completely.

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