Tie rods are an important component of your car’s steering and suspension system. They connect the steering rack or box to the steering knuckle and help to transfer the force of the steering wheel to the wheels of the car. Over time, tie rods can become worn or damaged, which can cause problems with your car’s handling and alignment. Changing your tie-rods is a relatively simple process that can be completed with a few basic tools.
Before you begin, you will need to gather the necessary tools and parts. You will need new tie-rod ends, a tie-rod end puller, a socket set, and an alignment tool. The tie-rod end puller is a special tool that is designed to make it easier to remove and install the tie-rod ends. It can usually be purchased at an auto parts store or borrowed from a local auto repair shop.
The first step in changing your tie-rods is to jack up the car and remove the wheels. Next, locate the tie-rod ends. They are typically located near the steering knuckle and can be identified by a ball and socket joint.
Once you have located the tie-rod ends, use the tie-rod end puller to remove the old tie-rod ends. Carefully remove the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle and discard it.
Now you can install the new tie-rod ends by pressing them into the steering knuckle. Make sure that the tie-rod end is properly seated and that the ball and socket joint is properly aligned.
Once the new tie-rod ends are installed, use the socket set to reattach the tie-rod to the steering rack or box. Make sure that the tie-rod is properly aligned and that the nuts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Finally, use an alignment tool to check the alignment of the wheels. The wheels should be aligned according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If they are not, make the necessary adjustments before lowering the car.
Once the alignment is done, lower the car and take it for a test drive to check the handling and alignment. If everything feels good, you have completed the job successfully.
In summary, changing your tie-rods is a relatively simple process that can be completed with a few basic tools. It’s an important maintenance task that should be done regularly to ensure that your car’s handling and alignment are at their best. Remember to use the tie-rod end puller, use the socket set and check the alignment of the wheels after the installation.
