How to Replace Tie Rod Assembly 98-04 Nissan Frontier
Difficulty: Advanced · About 50 min · Nissan Frontier
Replace the tie rod assembly, setting the new rod to the same length, on a 1998-2004 Nissan Frontier.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- 21mm socket
- 22mm socket
- Hammer
- Center punch
- Needle-nose pliers
- Torque wrench
- Length of pipe
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
Parts and supplies
- Tie rod assembly
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
Bend the cotter pins straight with pliers, punch them out with a hammer, remove the 22mm castle nut at each end of the tie rod, then tap the rod with a hammer to free it from the knuckle and steering arm.
- Set the new tie rod to length
Thread the new tie rod to roughly match the old one's length, adjusting it longer or shorter as needed, then tighten its locking nuts.
- Install the new tie rod
Seat it in place, thread both castle nuts on by hand, tighten them, then fit new cotter pins and bend them over with pliers.
- 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.