Inner Tie Rod End

[nmw75]

My 04 Sierra just failed the state vehicle inspection due to a worn out inner tie rod end (passenger side).

The truck is a 1500 Sierra 4x4 with 27,000 miles.

 

My question is, How much of a job is it to replace?

[bobcat5544]

Tie rod ends are simple to do, but when you replace one you should get an alighnment.

 

1. Remove the tire

2. Loosen the lock nut where the tie rod end screws on the inner tie rod end. (Just loosen do not spin it down the shaft)

3. Take off tie rod nut

4. Use at heavy hammer and hit the tie rod end stud where you just took off the nut. It may take a few good hard licks to knock it out. (NOTE: hitting the tie rod stud is ok only if you are replacing it. if you must remover it and put it back on get a ball joint/tie rod end seperator. Place like autozone does rent them out for a small deposit that you get back)

5. With the tie rod disconnected from knuckle spin the tie rod end off the inner tie rod end.

6. Now take the new one and spin it on up to the lock nut.

7. Connect the tie rod to the knuckle and tighten the nut down.

8. Now tighten the lock nut.

9. Put tire back on.

[nmw75]

Thanks.

Thats for the outer tie rod end. I need to do the inner.

I already have a fork to get the outer end out. I just bought a repacement inner. Looks like it just unscrews after the outer end is off?

[bobcat5544]

Sorry about that.

 

1. Remove left outer tie rod. Use same directions as posted before. (Make sure you use the tie rod end removel tool.)

2. Then on the inner tie rod you will see a place to put a wrench. whith the wrench in place turn it counter clockwise once loose spin it off.

 

3. Install in reverse order.

 

[nmw75]

Thanks!!!

[jlcallaway]

It is my experience if you take it to a dealer or a reputable repair center it is probably going to cost approx. $1,000 possibly a little more if you are going to replace all the ball joints.

 

JoJoJim

[Westlotorn]

Once this job is done you will need a front end alignment done.

 

Changing the tie rods will change alignment.

 

Good luck.

[jlcallaway]

Another thought it just seems very strange to me it would need ball joints at 27k. I don't know about how you are using it or the maintenance it has gotten but I would complain loudly to GM.

JoJoJim