Inner Tie Rod Replacement

[Xtremluck]

Instructions on How to Remove/Install an Inner Tie Rod on a 5th gen 4runner

1. Remove wheel
2. Loosen the jam nut on the outer tie rod end
3. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut
4. Separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle
5. Back off and remove the outer tie rod end (Counting how many turns for reinstallation later)
6. Remove the clamps and boot for the inner tie rod
7. Turn your steering wheel all the way out to make the inner tie rod end more accessible
8. Using an adjustable plumbing wrench loosen and remove the inner tie rod (May require additional leverage)
9. Install the new inner tie rod using blue loctite on threads (Torque to factory spec)
10. Reinstall the tie rod boot using a zip tie to secure the boot to the steering rack and the original clamp for the outer portion
11. Reinstall the jam nut
12. Reinstall the outer tie rod end (Counting the turns you documented in step 5)
13. Reinstall the outer tie rod end castle nut (Torque to factory spec)
14. Install a NEW cotter pin on the castle nut
15. Tighten the outer tie rod end jam nut

My Original Post Below

Question: So I need to replace my driver side inner tie rod because of some play. Already ordered the OEM part but need to know what size wrench I need to use for the power steering rack to remove and reinstall the inner tie rod. I know you can use an adjustable pipe wrench for the inner tie rod end but you need a wrench on the steering rack side to prevent the torque being transmitted to the rack. Hoping folks on here have done it before. Any ideas?

Answer: You can't use a 1-1/16" wrench on the steering rack side. It's too small. Not sure what size you can use I just torqued the inner tie rod end on and off. No issues.

 

[rigtec]

So I need to replace my driver side inner tie rod because of some play. Already ordered the OEM part but need to know what size wrench I need to use for the power steering rack to remove and reinstall the inner tie rod. I know you can use an adjustable pipe wrench for the inner tie rod end but you need a wrench on the steering rack side to prevent the torque being transmitted to the rack. Hoping folks on here have done it before. Any ideas?

Hi Xtremluck,

...it should be the same size as the original tie-rod. Upon removal of the old tie-rod, just be sure to count/mark the number of turns, write it down, and match the number of turns installing the new part! 'Best to you',

rig

 

[Gt4r]

Autozone has a loan a tool with all the sizes and you can use a torque wrench on.

 

[Xtremluck]

Hi Xtremluck,

...it should be the same size as the original tie-rod. Upon removal of the old tie-rod, just be sure to count/mark the number of turns, write it down, and match the number of turns installing the new part! 'Best to you',

rig

What you mentioned is the outer tie rod end. Will be following that procedure of course but am looking for information on the inner tie rod.

 

[Xtremluck]

Autozone has a loan a tool with all the sizes and you can use a torque wrench on.

Yup, I also know that harbor freight makes tools as well for easy removal and installation. However, they only work on the inner tie rod itself. I need to know what size wrench to use to counteract the torque on the steering rack side.

You can see what I mean in this video for a Toyota Tacoma inner tie rod replacement:
Toyota Tacoma Inner Tie Rod Replacement

Looks like he uses an 1 1/16" wrench to do it so I'm going to give that a shot.

 

[rochmpr]

Yup, I also know that harbor freight makes tools as well for easy removal and installation. However, they only work on the inner tie rod itself. I need to know what size wrench to use to counteract the torque on the steering rack side.

You can see what I mean in this video for a Toyota Tacoma inner tie rod replacement:
Toyota Tacoma Inner Tie Rod Replacement

Looks like he uses an 1 1/16" wrench to do it so I'm going to give that a shot.

Yep, was going to link you to that video. I would think a 27 mm would work, quite possibly.

 

[rigtec]

What you mentioned is the outer tie rod end. Will be following that procedure of course but am looking for information on the inner tie rod.

Hi Xtremluck... Great user name; wish I could claim the same, Lol!

The new Inner Tie-rod should be the same as the factory original (thread, diameter and length)! Also, why change the One tie-rod end when ALL 4 should have the exact same proportional mileage/wear on them; I only ask this because you have to align the front end after any component replacement? 'Best',

rig, cheers!

 

[Xtremluck]

Hi Xtremluck... Great user name; wish I could claim the same, Lol!

The new Inner Tie-rod should be the same as the factory original (thread, diameter and length)! Also, why change the One tie-rod end when ALL 4 should have the exact same proportional mileage/wear on them; I only ask this because you have to align the front end after any component replacement? 'Best',

rig, cheers!

That's a fair question. I've already replaced both outer tie rod ends but only replacing the driver side inner because its the only one having symptoms of failure. I could replace both but Im trying to reduce throwing endless amounts of money into this thing and getting more life out of OEM components. At this point I think I literally have replaced most of the OEM front suspension

 

[Xtremluck]

Ill be posting a step by step how to on this once I tackle the job this weekend. I have a feeling those who wheel their rigs will need to do this eventually.

 

[Gt4r]

You dont need another wrench. The 4runner tie rod is not the same as the one in your vid. I used this fj cruise video YouTube as a guide when I replaced my inner tie rod. The only difference is I didnt find a locking washer on the original inner tie rod.

Yup, I also know that harbor freight makes tools as well for easy removal and installation. However, they only work on the inner tie rod itself. I need to know what size wrench to use to counteract the torque on the steering rack side.

You can see what I mean in this video for a Toyota Tacoma inner tie rod replacement:
Toyota Tacoma Inner Tie Rod Replacement

Looks like he uses an 1 1/16" wrench to do it so I'm going to give that a shot.

 

[Xtremluck]

You dont need another wrench. The 4runner tie rod is not the same as the one in your vid. I used this fj cruise video YouTube as a guide when I replaced my inner tie rod. The only difference is I didnt find a locking washer on the original inner tie rod.

Thanks man I just received a new OEM inner tie rod. To confirm our inner tie rods do not have a locking washer? Most inner tie rods do but the factory manual seems to indicate we don’t. I was also surprised my replacement didn’t come with one.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Gt4r]

Correct. I have a 2014 and it didnt have a locking washer. I used red loctite and torqued to spec.

Thanks man I just received a new OEM inner tie rod. To confirm our inner tie rods do not have a locking washer? Most inner tie rods do but the factory manual seems to indicate we don’t. I was also surprised my replacement didn’t come with one.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Xtremluck]

Ok friends I completed this job last night and it eliminated my steering knock!! Edited my first post with step by step instructions on how to do this. Enjoy.

 

[nb rob]

Ok friends I completed this job last night and it eliminated my steering knock!! Edited my first post with step by step instructions on how to do this. Enjoy.

Nice writeup. thanks for sharing- and I'm glad it got rid of your knock

 

[rochmpr]

Booked marked for the potential future trail repair. I hope to never have to perform this on the trail, but I already have the spare parts and a now a quick tutorial. It was so much easier in the SAS days with Marlinks and such. Damn IFS

 

[awhitney1]

I'm confused by the torque spec numbers for the inner tie-rod. What is the actual torque spec number to use? Thanks!

Thanks man I just received a new OEM inner tie rod. To confirm our inner tie rods do not have a locking washer? Most inner tie rods do but the factory manual seems to indicate we don’t. I was also surprised my replacement didn’t come with one.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ArcticEd]

Instructions on How to Remove/Install an Inner Tie Rod on a 5th gen 4runner

1. Remove wheel
2. Loosen the jam nut on the outer tie rod end
3. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut
4. Separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle
5. Back off and remove the outer tie rod end (Counting how many turns for reinstallation later)
6. Remove the clamps and boot for the inner tie rod
7. Turn your steering wheel all the way out to make the inner tie rod end more accessible
8. Using an adjustable plumbing wrench loosen and remove the inner tie rod (May require additional leverage)
9. Install the new inner tie rod using blue loctite on threads (Torque to factory spec)
10. Reinstall the tie rod boot using a zip tie to secure the boot to the steering rack and the original clamp for the outer portion
11. Reinstall the jam nut
12. Reinstall the outer tie rod end (Counting the turns you documented in step 5)
13. Reinstall the outer tie rod end castle nut (Torque to factory spec)
14. Install a NEW cotter pin on the castle nut
15. Tighten the outer tie rod end jam nut

My Original Post Below

Question: So I need to replace my driver side inner tie rod because of some play. Already ordered the OEM part but need to know what size wrench I need to use for the power steering rack to remove and reinstall the inner tie rod. I know you can use an adjustable pipe wrench for the inner tie rod end but you need a wrench on the steering rack side to prevent the torque being transmitted to the rack. Hoping folks on here have done it before. Any ideas?

Answer: You can't use a 1-1/16" wrench on the steering rack side. It's too small. Not sure what size you can use I just torqued the inner tie rod end on and off. No issues.

I'm about to replace both inner & outer tie rods on both sides & came across this looking for tips/tricks.

The steering linkage reassembly page in the service manual (Doc ID: RM0000039T100IX) says to "Fill up the ball joints of the steering rack ends with MP grease", and I don't see that step listed above.

Does anyone know if you have to apply grease to the inner tie rod ends and what type of grease is required?

TIA

 

[Xtremluck]

I'm about to replace both inner & outer tie rods on both sides & came across this looking for tips/tricks.

The steering linkage reassembly page in the service manual (Doc ID: RM0000039T100IX) says to "Fill up the ball joints of the steering rack ends with MP grease", and I don't see that step listed above.

Does anyone know if you have to apply grease to the inner tie rod ends and what type of grease is required?

TIA

They should come pre greased

 

[WLSchroder]

What is the 'knock'

Ok friends I completed this job last night and it eliminated my steering knock!! Edited my first post with step by step instructions on how to do this. Enjoy.

I have noticed a very slight 'clunk' or 'knock' when I turn the wheel slowly. Turn to the right, slight clunk. Turn the left, clunk. I can 'feel' it in the steering wheel. And on a rough trail or dirt road, its worse. Thoughts?

 

[Jivewalker]

Great info, I plan on doing inners and outers very soon. I may get the loaner inner end removal tool though so that I can get tightened to proper torque.