how to repair worn tie rod ends on my Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather all necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
• Lift the front of the vehicle using a hydraulic jack and secure with jack stands.

2. Remove the Wheel

• Sub-steps:
  1. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts while the wheel is still on the ground.
  2. Lift the vehicle and remove the lug nuts completely.
  3. Take off the wheel and set it aside.

3. Remove the Tie Rod End

• Sub-steps:
  1. Locate the tie rod end and remove the cotter pin (if present) using pliers.
  2. Use a socket wrench to remove the nut securing the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
  3. Utilize a tie rod end puller or hammer gently on the steering knuckle to dislodge the tie rod end from its position.

4. Install the New Tie Rod End

• Sub-steps:
  1. Thread the new tie rod end into the steering rack, adjusting the length to match the old one (count the number of turns to maintain alignment).
  2. Secure the tie rod end to the steering knuckle with the new nut, using a torque wrench to tighten to manufacturer specifications (typically around 40-50 ft-lbs).
  3. Reinsert the cotter pin to secure the nut.

5. Reinstall the Wheel

• Sub-steps:
  1. Place the wheel back on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
  2. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands using the hydraulic jack.
  3. Fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque (typically around 76 ft-lbs).

6. Alignment

• Sub-steps:
  1. Take the vehicle to a professional alignment shop to ensure proper wheel alignment after replacing the tie rod ends.

Tools Required:

• Lug wrench
• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Socket set
• Torque wrench
• Tie rod end puller (or hammer)
• Pliers
• New tie rod ends

Parts Required:

• New tie rod ends (left and right as needed)
• Cotter pins (if not included with tie rod ends)

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

• Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
• Ensure the vehicle is securely lifted and stable before performing any work.