How to Remove an Outer Tie-Rod End on a 2006 Sentra

Introduced in the United States in 1982, the Nissan Sentra came equipped with the option of two different engines. The 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine was capable of producing up to 126 horsepower and 129 foot-pounds of torque. The other engine option was the 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder, capable of producing up to 175 horsepower and 180 foot-pounds of torque. The 2006 Sentra utilized tie-rod ends to connect the steering rack to the wheels. The inner tie-rod attached to the steering rack, while the adjustable outer tie-rod attached to the spindle knuckle.

Instructions

Outer Tie-Rod Removal

1

Loosen the front wheel lug nuts from the side on which you plan to remove the tie-rod end. Raise the entire front of the Sentra with the jack and place jack stands beneath the two lower front frame mounts, on either side of the engine. Lower the vehicle down onto the jack stands. Remove the wheel lug nuts, and then remove the wheel from the Sentra.

2

Attach an open-end wrench to the locking nut, located against the inner end of the outer tie-rod. Place another open-end wrench onto the inner tie-rod, on the provided flattened surface. Turn the nut counterclockwise in relation to its position on the car, until it backs away from the outer tie-rod end by about 1/2 inch. Use white chalk, crayon or paint marker to mark the end of the outer tie-rod, where it meets the threads of the inner tie-rod. This mark acts as a measurement for preliminary alignment of the vehicle during installation.

3

Remove the castle nut cotter pin from beneath the spindle knuckle mount, using a pair of needle nose pliers. Straighten the bent ends of the cotter pin until they come somewhat close to one another. Pull the cotter pin by the looped head. Remove the castle nut from the tie-rod joint, using the ratchet and deep well socket.

4

Remove the outer tie-rod joint from the steering knuckle using a small pry bar. Lightly tap on the steering knuckle with a hammer, near the mounting hole if necessary. The vibration should release the tie-rod from the steering knuckle. Place an open-end wrench onto the inner tie-rod end on the flattened surface. Wrap a second open-end wrench around the outer tie-rod joint to use this point for leverage. Spin the outer tie-rod end free from the inner tie-rod end, holding the inner tie-rod end still with the open-end wrench.

Outer Tie-Rod Installation

5

Thoroughly lubricate the inner tie-rod threads with caliper or bearing grease. Spin the new tie-rod end onto the inner tie-rod, until it meets the white mark you made during removal. Install the outer tie-rod joint through the spindle knuckle and tighten the castle nut to 36 foot-pounds of torque, with a torque wrench and socket. Make tightening adjustments to accompany the cotter pin through the tie-rod joint stem. Never loosen the nut to install the cotter pin. Install the pin and bend it to lock with pliers.

6

Inspect the preliminary toe in or out alignment of the vehicle. Complete this task by visually inspecting the rotor front to back against the side body-lines of the Sentra. If you look back from the front of the car, you will be able to tell if the brake rotor is turned in or out relative to the body-line. Make adjustments by holding the outer tie-rod in place and turning the inner tie-rod. This will turn the toe in or out on the vehicle. Tighten the adjuster nut against the outer tie-rod when finished.

7

Place the front wheel back onto the Sentra and snug the lug nuts with the tire iron. Raise the front end and remove the jack stands. Lower the car to the ground, the immediately torque the wheel lug nuts to 75 foot-pounds of torque with the torque wrench and a socket.

8

Take the vehicle immediately to a local shop equipped with an alignment rack. Laser-guided alignment is going to be much more reliable that the visual preliminary alignment you performed. Toe in or out on a vehicle is measured to within 0.01 degrees on a laser-guided machine.