Tie rod changing, cannot undo the outer tie rod

MISTER_FOX

MEMBER
2013 KIA OPTIMA
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I watched a YouTube video on changing generic tie rods and have noticed that my tie rods are arranged and setup slightly different. I got it disconnected from the rotor assembly, and loosened the pinch bolt, but still cannot undo the outer tie rod. Any help is appreciated.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

The tie rod is very similar to any other. Once you remove the tie rod from the steering knuckle, loosen the jamb nut (letter A) in picture. When that is loosened, hold the inner tie rod from turning and the outer tie rod will loosen off. It is only threaded to the inner tie rod. I can tell you, corrosion, rust. Can make it very difficult to remove, but that is the process.

Here is our link showing how it is done. The picture I attached is from Alldata and specific to your vehicle.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/tie-rod-end-replacement

I hope this helps. Let me know if you still have trouble or any questions. Additionally, remember, when you remove the tie rod, the tow in needs reset. Basically, the vehicle will need aligned. However, you should be able to get really close to what it was if you measure the distance of the old tie rod to a stationary point of the vehicle, and then when installing the new one, keep the distance the same, but that is not a guarantee it will be exact.

Take care,
Joe

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