To replace the tie rod ends on your Chrysler, first gather essential tools, including both metric and standard wrenches, a tie rod puller, torque wrench, and socket set. Park the vehicle on a solid surface, engage the parking brake, and lift it using a hydraulic floor jack, securing it with jack stands for safety. Remove the front wheels, then use pliers and a socket wrench to detach the old tie rod ends from the steering knuckle. Install high-quality replacement parts, ensuring to match the number of threads, and secure them with a new castle nut and cotter pin. Complete the task by aligning the wheels and test driving to confirm smooth operation. Additional insights can further enhance your understanding.
Gather Necessary Tools
Before you start replacing the tie rod ends on your Chrysler, gather these tools: wrenches, a tie rod puller, a torque wrench, and a socket set.
Wrenches come in metric and standard sizes, useful for the different bolts and nuts you'll encounter. A tie rod puller helps you remove the tie rod end safely, avoiding damage to other parts. A torque wrench ensures bolts are tightened correctly, as per the manufacturer's guidelines, to avoid steering problems.
A socket set offers flexibility for reaching bolts of various sizes and placements. A breaker bar can provide extra leverage for stubborn bolts.
While renting tools is possible, owning quality tools can be more reliable and durable. Having these tools ready makes replacing tie rod ends on your Chrysler easier and more accurate.
Lift the Vehicle
Park your Chrysler on a flat, solid surface. Use the parking brake to keep it from moving.
Before lifting, loosen the lug nuts on the wheels you need to work on, but don't take them off completely. This will make it easier to remove the wheels once the car is lifted.
Use a hydraulic floor jack to lift the car. This type of jack is dependable and easy to use. Place the jack under the car at the lift points shown in the owner's manual. This will protect the car's underside. Raise the car until the wheels are off the ground.
Once the car is up, put jack stands under the car at the lift points. Don't just leave the car on the jack alone. This isn't safe.
Check that the car is stable on the jack stands by gently shaking it. The car should stay steady and secure while you change the tie rod ends.
Remove Old Tie Rod Ends
Lift the car securely and support it properly. First, loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels using a wrench. Take off the wheels so you can easily reach the tie rod ends.
The tie rod end is attached to the steering knuckle with a nut and a pin. Use pliers to remove the pin, making sure nothing is left in the hole.
Next, use a socket wrench to take off the nut without damaging the threads. To separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle, use a tool like a tie rod end puller or a pickle fork. Apply steady force to avoid harming any parts.
Once detached, count how many threads are visible on the tie rod. This helps when you put in the new part to keep the car aligned.
Then, loosen the nut on the inner tie rod with an adjustable wrench. Unscrew the tie rod end by hand and count the turns for accuracy when putting in the new one.
Install New Tie Rod Ends
To smoothly install new tie rod ends on your Chrysler, start by getting high-quality parts that fit your car. This ensures they last longer and work well.
Here's how to put them in:
- Thread the New Tie Rod End: Screw the new tie rod end onto the inner rod. Make sure it matches the same number of turns as the old one to keep the steering right. This helps avoid extra adjustments later.
- Attach to the Steering Knuckle: Place the tie rod end into the steering knuckle. Secure it with a new castle nut and tighten it according to the car maker's guidelines. Using the right amount of force here stops it from coming loose and causing steering problems.
- Install the Cotter Pin: Insert a new cotter pin through the hole in the castle nut and bend it to hold it in place. This keeps the nut from coming off while driving.
Align the Wheels
When you change the tie rod ends, you need to align the wheels correctly. This helps your car handle well and makes your tires last longer. If the wheels aren't set right, your tires can wear unevenly, use more gas, and make driving less safe.
To align the wheels, adjust the angles so the tires stand straight and line up with each other. Start by checking three angles: toe, caster, and camber.
Toe alignment is the easiest to change and affects how the tires point toward each other. Most Chrysler cars need a toe-in setting, meaning the front ends of the tires are slightly closer than the back ends. Check your car's manual since each model has different needs.
The caster angle is about the tilt of the steering pivot. It helps with stability and turning. You can't always adjust it in all Chrysler models, so make sure it matches the factory settings.
Camber is the tilt of the wheel seen from the front. A bit of negative camber can improve grip.
Shops have special tools like laser sensors for precise alignment. You can do this at home with basic tools, but a pro job is more accurate.
Keeping your wheels aligned helps the car drive smoothly and your tires last longer.
Test Drive Your Chrysler
After fixing the tie rod end and setting the wheels straight, take your Chrysler for a spin to see if everything's working right. This helps make sure the steering feels good and the car handles well.
Find a safe spot like an empty parking lot or a quiet street where you can focus on how the car drives without any interruptions.
Look for these things during your drive:
- Steering Feel: The steering wheel should turn easily and smoothly. If it feels stiff or slow, something might be off.
- Straight Line Driving: The car should go straight without pulling to one side. If it doesn't, the alignment might need more work.
- Sounds and Shakes: Listen for odd noises and feel for shaking in the steering wheel. These could mean something isn't put together right.
Check these things on different roads to make sure the car works the same everywhere.
If you find something wrong, talk to a mechanic who can help fix it.
People Also Ask
How Do I Identify Worn-Out Tie Rod Ends on My Chrysler?
Look for uneven tire wear, loose steering, or strange noises when turning. Check if the tie rod ends are damaged or move too much when pushed. If you're unsure, ask a mechanic to check them for you.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Tie Rod End?
A bad tie rod end can cause your car's tires to wear unevenly, make the steering feel loose, cause the steering wheel to shake, and make clunking noises when you turn or drive over bumps. It's important to fix it to keep the car safe.
Can I Drive With Damaged Tie Rod Ends Temporarily?
No, it's not safe to drive with broken tie rod ends. They help steer your car, and if they are damaged, you might have trouble controlling your vehicle. This can be dangerous and cause accidents. It's best to get them fixed right away.
What Safety Precautions Should I Take During the Replacement?
Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself. Make sure the car is on flat ground and use jack stands to hold it up. Use the right tools so they don't slip. When putting things back together, check that everything is tight to keep the car safe.
How Often Should I Inspect or Replace Tie Rod Ends?
Check your tie rod ends every year or every 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you notice any looseness or strange noises, it's time to change them. Keeping them in good shape helps your car steer well and stay safe.