How to Replace the Outer Tie Rod Ends on a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan

Check your tie rod ends while changing your oil so there are no surprises.

To prevent uneven tire wear and loose steering on your 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan, replace worn tie rod ends as soon as possible. Putting it off could lead to the worn tire rod end coming apart and cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Often you will hear and feel a clunk when you turn the wheel if the tie rod end is severely worn. To check for wear, put a hand on the ball and socket of the tie rod end. Move the tire back and forth. If the tie rod is worn, you will see and feel irregular play between the ball and socket.

Things You'll Need

• Lug wrench
• Floor jack
• 2 jack stands
• Clean rags
• Ratchet
• Sockets
• Pliers
• Combination wrenches
• Tie rod removal tool
• Torque wrench
• Tie rod end

Instructions

1. Loosen the lug nuts a couple of turns on the wheel where you will be working. Raise the vehicle with a floor jack, and place jack stands under the frame to support it. Remove the lug nuts and wheel.

2. Mark the position of the steering rod lock nut. Hold the steering rod in place with an open-end wrench, and loosen the lock nut with another.

3. Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end stud. Remove the nut. Separate the tie rod end from the spindle arm with a tie rod removal tool. Hold the steering rod with an open-end wrench, and unscrew the tie rod end from the steering rod. Count the number of turns needed to remove it.

4. Screw the replacement tie rod end onto the steering rod the same number of turns as it took to remove the old one. Insert the tie rod end stud through the spindle arm. Install the nut on the stud. Torque to 62 foot-pounds. Install a new cotter pin through the stud. Hold it against the tie rod end with a wrench, and tighten the lock nut with another wrench.

5. Replace the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts. Remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the lugs to 95 foot-pounds.

Tips & Warnings

• OEM and some replacement tie rod ends are pre-greased and sealed. However, if your replacement comes with a grease fitting, install it, and grease the tie rod end using a grease gun.

• For proper alignment, have your vehicle aligned at a reputable repair facility by a certified wheel alignment technician.

References

• "Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager & Chrysler Town & Country 1996 thru 2002 Haynes Repair Manual"; John Haynes & Louis LeDoux; 2002