How to Change a Tie Rod on a 1989 Dodge Dakota

The 1989 Dodge Dakota had a rack-and-pinion steering system. The rack used for steering is situated between the front wheels. When the steering wheel is turned in either direction, a one-inch threaded metal pipe protruding from both sides of the rack moves from side to side. Transferring this movement to the wheels of a Dakota is the job of two links on each side of the rack attached to a metal pipe, which, in turn, moves the wheel to the left or the right. The inner tie rod end is threaded directly to the pipe; it is an approximately two-foot-long rod, threaded on one end, and with a large nut on the other that threads on the pipe in the rack. There is a short outer tie rod end that threads on the end of the inner tie rod and is attached to the steering knuckle that supports the wheel. The outer tie rod is the one most commonly replaced.

Instructions

1

Raise the truck and place jack stands under the frame. Lower the truck and allow it to rest on the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel located on the side the tie rod is to be replaced, using the lug wrench. Remove the wheel.

2

Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end stud, using wire cutters. Remove the nut from the tie rod stud, using a wrench. Use a wrench to loosen the jam nut that locks in place the outer tie rod end.

3

Place the tie rod separator tool between the knuckle and the tie rod end. Hit the tool with a hammer to force the tool between the two, and the tie rod will come loose. Turn the outer tie rod end counterclockwise to remove it, while counting the number of turns required to remove it. This is important to keep the alignment correct, as the new outer tie rod must be installed by making the same number of turns.

4

Install the new tie rod as described, counting the turns. Place the tie rod stud in the steering knuckle and install the nut. Tighten the nut with a wrench as far as possible, by hand only. Install a cotter pin to secure it.

5

Turn the jam nut counterclockwise until it contacts the tie rod end. Tighten the jam nut with a wrench. Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to 90 foot-pounds of torque. Lower the truck to the ground.