How do you change the outer tie rod on a 2001 Saturn SL1?

Answer 1

Jack up the side you're working on and remove the wheel. Loosen the jam nut with open end wrench (22mm or 24mm? I think) "clockwise". Then remove the castle nut 18mm. There should be a cotter pin in it. Pull it with a needle nose pliers. After the nut is removed hit the tie rod with a hammer and it will pop out of the steering knuckle. Now turn the tie rod end counter clock wise until it comes off. Count how many turns it takes to come off so you can turn the new one the same number of turns. You don't want to ruin your alignment. After the new one is on put the tie rod through the steering knuckle and tighten the castle nut. "I forgot to mention the new tie rod will come with a new castle nut, jam nut and cotter pin." After tightening the nut turn the jam nut counterclockwise so it touches the tie rod end. The jam nut keeps the tie rod end from spinning. Put your wheel back on and that should do it. You might have to fill the new tie rod end with grease using a grease gun until you buy the cheap ones that are filled from factory. Good luck.