How to Install Outer Tie Rod Ends on a 1992 Dodge Shadow

An outer tie-rod end is the part of the steering linkage that connects the inner tie-rod to the arm on the spindle assembly of your 1992 Dodge Shadow. Symptoms of a worn outer tie-rod end include the vehicle pulling to one side when driving straight, a clunking noise while turning and uneven tire wear. If ignored, the ball may disconnect from the socket, causing loss of steering control.

Instructions

1

Park your 1992 Dodge Shadow on a level solid working surface, like asphalt or cement. Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts on then the wheel where you will be working using a lug wrench. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack. Place a jack stand under the frame on each side. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel assembly.

2

Loosen the lock nut on the inner tie rod using a combination wrench -- only loosen it, do not back it off. Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut securing the tie rod end to the spindle arm using pliers. Remove the castle nut using a ratchet and socket.

3

Remove the tie rod end from the spindle arm using a tie rod separator. Hold against the inner tie rod with pliers. Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod, counting the number of turns it takes to remove. Make sure the inner tie rod does not turn, because one side of the dust boot for the rack is clamped to the inner tie rod and could twist, tearing the boot.

4

Thread the replacement outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns it took to remove. Insert the tie rod end stud into the spindle arm. Thread the castle nut onto the stud and tighten it to 38 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. Install the new cotter pin using pliers.

5

Install the grease fitting in the outer tie rod end, if one was supplied (some are sealed). Tighten the lock nut against the outer tie rod end.

6

Replace the wheel assembly and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Raise the vehicle off the jack stands and remove them. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts to 95 foot-pounds using a torque wrench.

7

Take the car to an alignment shop for a laser alignment.