Installing Aluminum Tie Rods: A Step-by-Step Guide

Upgrading or replacing your tie rods with aluminum ones is an excellent way to improve your vehicle’s steering response, handling, and overall performance. Aluminum tie rods are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts. If you’re ready to make the switch, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the installation process. Whether you’re a DIY mechanic or just learning the basics, this guide is designed to be easy to follow and informative.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials:

• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Wrenches (for removing old tie rods)
• Torque wrench
• Pliers
• Grease or anti-seize compound
• New aluminum tie rods
• Penetrating oil (if old parts are rusted)
• Measuring tape
• Protective gloves

Step 1: Park and Secure the Vehicle

Start by parking your vehicle on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and block the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. You’ll also want to ensure the car is completely turned off before proceeding.

Step 2: Lift the Vehicle

Using a jack, lift the front of the vehicle until the tires are off the ground. Once lifted, secure the vehicle with jack stands. Safety is essential here—never rely solely on the jack to hold the car up while you’re working underneath it.

Step 3: Remove the Front Wheels

Using a lug wrench, loosen and remove the lug nuts on the front wheels. Carefully remove both wheels and set them aside. This will give you access to the tie rods and steering components.

Step 4: Locate the Tie Rods

The tie rods connect your steering rack to the steering knuckle and are found near the front suspension. They are long, rod-shaped components with ball joints on either end. Depending on your vehicle, you may have either an inner and outer tie rod or just an outer tie rod.

Step 5: Measure and Mark the Old Tie Rods

Before removing the old tie rods, it’s essential to measure their length. Use a measuring tape to note the distance from the end of the tie rod to the inner mounting point. This measurement is important because it will help you install the new tie rods at the correct length, preventing alignment issues.

Step 6: Loosen the Tie Rod Ends

Using a wrench, loosen the nut securing the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. If the nut is difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any rust or debris. Once the nut is loose, disconnect the outer tie rod from the knuckle by using pliers to pry it out. Be cautious while doing this to avoid damaging any surrounding components.

Step 7: Remove the Old Tie Rod

After loosening the outer tie rod, unscrew the tie rod completely from the steering rack. Be sure to note any bushings, washers, or spacers that may need to be transferred to the new tie rod. Once the old tie rod is fully removed, set it aside.

Step 8: Prepare the New Aluminum Tie Rod

Before installing the new aluminum tie rod, apply a thin layer of grease or anti-seize compound to the threads. This will help protect the tie rod from corrosion and make future adjustments or removals easier. Ensure the new aluminum tie rod matches the length of the old tie rod based on your earlier measurements.

Step 9: Install the New Tie Rod

Screw the new aluminum tie rod into the steering rack by hand. Once it’s secure, attach the outer end to the steering knuckle. Make sure all bushings, washers, and spacers are correctly positioned. Tighten the nut at the end of the tie rod to secure it to the steering knuckle using a torque wrench. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for the recommended torque specification and ensure the tie rod is tightened appropriately.

Step 10: Recheck Alignment

To prevent issues with vehicle alignment, measure the length of the newly installed tie rod again to confirm it matches the length of the old one. Any difference in length could affect your vehicle’s steering and tire wear, so it’s important to double-check your measurements.

Step 11: Reinstall the Wheels

With the new tie rods securely in place, you can now reinstall the front wheels. Tighten the lug nuts by hand before lowering the vehicle. Once the car is on the ground, use a torque wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.

Step 12: Lower the Vehicle

Remove the jack stands and slowly lower the vehicle back onto the ground using the jack. Afterward, ensure that the car is sitting evenly on all four wheels.

Step 13: Test Drive and Check Alignment

After completing the installation, take the vehicle for a test drive. Pay close attention to the steering response and handling. If you notice any pulling to one side or uneven steering, the alignment may need adjusting. It’s a good idea to have a professional alignment performed after installing new tie rods to ensure everything is perfectly balanced.

Step 14: Final Checks and Maintenance

After your test drive, check the tie rods and nuts again to ensure everything is tight and secure. Regularly inspect your new aluminum tie rods over time to ensure they remain in good condition. Since aluminum tie rods are resistant to corrosion, they require less maintenance than steel ones, but it’s still essential to check for wear or damage periodically.

Conclusion

Installing aluminum tie rods can significantly improve your vehicle’s steering performance and durability. By following this step-by-step guide, you can successfully complete the installation process yourself, whether you’re replacing old, worn-out parts or upgrading to a higher-performance option. Always ensure your tie rods are properly aligned to avoid steering issues, and if you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance for the installation.