Tie-Rod End Replacement

Remove the wheel and tire. (See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the snap pin from the tie-rod end.

Fig 1: Removing Snap Pin From Tie-Rod End
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Loosen the tie-rod end locknut.

Fig 2: Loosening Tie-Rod End Locknut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Detach the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle using the SST.

Fig 3: Detaching Tie-Rod End From Steering Knuckle Using Sst
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the locknut from the tie-rod end.

Fig 4: Removing Locknut From Tie-Rod End
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Place alignment marks as shown in the figure for proper installation.

Fig 5: Tie-Rod Alignment Mark
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the tie-rod end.

Fig 6: Removing Tie-Rod End
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Place alignment marks on the new tie-rod end in the same positions as the removed tie-rod end.

Fig 7: Locating Alignment Marks Position Of Tie-Rod End
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Align the alignment marks made before removing the tie-rod end, and then install a new tie-rod end to the tie rod.

Fig 8: Aligning Alignment Marks Of Tie-Rod
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- "R" is inscribed on the right side of the tie-rod end and "L" is inscribed on the left side of the tie-rod end. Verify if the part is for the left or right side before installation because the left and right parts of the tie-rod end have different shapes.
Fig 9: Locating Left And Right Sides Of Tie-Rod
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If there are no alignment marks, go to the following procedure.
Adjust dimension A shown in the figure to the standard, and assemble.

Fig 10: Locating Adjusting Dimension Of Tie-Rod
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Standard

17.7-30.7 mm {0.70-1.20 in}
Install the tie-rod end to the steering knuckle.

Fig 11: Installing Tie-Rod End To Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install a new snap pin to the tie-rod end.
Install the wheel and tire. (See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
After installation, inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust it if necessary. (See FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT .)