How to Change a 2003 Chrysler Sebring Outer Tie Rod

The Chrysler Sebring was introduced in 1995, and the Sebring Convertible was introduced in 1996. The 2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible was available in four different sub-models. It was equipped with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 2.7-liter V-6 or a 2.7-liter flex-fuel V-6 engine. The tie rod ends control the inward and outward alignment of the wheels longitudinally. This alignment type is called toe in or out. A professional alignment is recommended after installation of tie rod ends.

Instructions

1

Loosen, but do not remove, the front wheel lug nuts, using a tire iron. Raise the vehicle with the floor jack. Place jack stands beneath the front frame rails, which are located on either side of the engine. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Remove the wheel lug nuts, then remove the wheel from the vehicle.

2

Loosen the jam nut on the inside of the tie rod end, where the outer and inner tie rod ends meet. Use an open-end wrench to loosen the nut 3/4-inch to 1-inch away from the outer tie rod. Mark the spot on the threads where the outer and inner tie rod ends meet, using chalk or a paint marker.

3

Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut with a pair of pliers. The castle nut is located where the outer tie rod and the steering knuckle are attached. Remove the castle nut from the outer tie rod stem, using an open-end wrench. Hold the stem of the outer tie rod at the bottom with a smaller open-end wrench, to prevent the tie rod stem from spinning while you remove the nut.

4

Remove the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle by applying pressure with a small pry bar, or a by using a tie rod removal tool. Gently tap the steering knuckle with a hammer, to help loosen the tie rod end at the steering knuckle junction.

5

Remove the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod end by applying an open-end wrench to the outer end. Hold the inner tie rod end steady with a pair of vice grips. Spin the outer end clockwise to remove it. Count the turns to ensure accurate installation of the new end. Clean the threads of the inner tie rod end, using a wire brush to lightly brush off the grease and dirt, but try not to erase your mark. Thoroughly coat the inner tie rod end threads with bearing grease or axle grease.

6

Install the new outer tie rod end onto the inner by hand, to avoid cross-threading. Turn the new tie rod end onto the inner tie rod, using vice grips to hold the inner tie rod still. Count the turns. Match the number of removal turns, and it should line up with the mark you made on the inner tie rod. Use an open-end wrench to help turn the new tie rod end on if necessary. Visually compare the size and length of your old tie rod versus your new tie rod, to confirm that they are identical parts.

7

Install the outer tie rod stem through the mounting hole on the steering knuckle. Gently tap the outer end into position on the steering knuckle with a hammer if necessary. Install a new castle nut onto the outer tie rod stem, and tighten it to 45-foot-pounds of torque, using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket. Install a new cotter pin into the hole in the outer tie rod stem to hold the castle nut in place.

8

Tighten the jam nut against the inside end of the outer tie rod, using an open end wrench. Apply solid pressure to the open-end wrench, making sure you torque the nut thoroughly (55-foot-pounds is needed).

9

Install the front wheel back onto the Sebring, and snug the lug nuts using a tire iron. Raise the vehicle off the jack stands, using your floor jack. Remove the jack stands from beneath the Sebring, and lower the car to the ground. Immediately tighten the lug nuts to 100-foot-pounds, with the torque wrench and socket.

10

Take the Sebring to a certified automotive shop, to have a professional, laser guided alignment performed on the car. Laser guided alignments are accurate to 0.001 degree. Do not assume that the preliminary visual alignment you performed is absolutely accurate.