Changing the outer tie rod ends on Alfa Romeo 147

Written By: valentin RUBIETTO (and one other contributor)

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Changing the outer tie rod ends on Alfa Romeo 147

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

00:30:00

Introduction

The steering ball joint is the mechanical part that allows the wheels to turn, but also, in association with the suspension ball joints, to absorb certain shocks. This part is the link between the steering rod and the wheel.

This operation is carried out here on an Alfa Romeo 147 phase 1 Twin Spark 120hp . However, it is similar to other vehicles.

Tools

Candles

View

Parts

Steering knuckles

View

Step 1 Removing the wheel.

Apply the handbrake, then jack up the front of the car and place it on axle stands. Remove the front wheel on the side where the vehicle is being serviced.

Apply the handbrake, then jack up the front of the car and place it on axle stands. Remove the front wheel on the side where the vehicle is being serviced.

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Step 2 Anatomy.

Outer tie rod ends.
Tie rod end locking nut.
Steering rod (connects the steering rack and the tie rod ball joint).
Hub carrier pivot.
The lock nut allows the parallelism to be adjusted, so it must never leave its original position.

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Step 3 Conservation of parallelism.

To maintain the position of the locknut, place a mark with tape. For added safety, do not hesitate to take a measurement using a caliper.

Check that the new part is identical in every way to the original, otherwise the parallelism will be modified.

To maintain the position of the locknut, place a mark with tape. For added safety, do not hesitate to take a measurement using a caliper.
Check that the new part is identical in every way to the original, otherwise the parallelism will be modified.

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Step 4 Removing the steering tie rod ball joint.

Loosen the locknut by half a turn only to maintain its original position as much as possible. Loosen it in a clockwise direction.

Remove the nut securing the tie rod ball joint to the hub carrier pivot, then extract the ball joint cone from the pivot using a universal ball joint remover (a hammer can also do the trick).

Then completely unscrew the ball joint at the end of the steering rod, counting the exact number of turns to achieve this.

Loosen the locknut by half a turn only to maintain its original position as much as possible. Loosen it in a clockwise direction.
Remove the nut securing the tie rod ball joint to the hub carrier pivot, then extract the ball joint cone from the pivot using a universal ball joint remover (a hammer can also do the trick).
Then completely unscrew the ball joint at the end of the steering rod, counting the exact number of turns to achieve this.
Don't hesitate on WD40.

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Step 5 Replacing the steering tie rod end.

Clean the steering rod threads thoroughly.

Clean the steering rod threads thoroughly.
Screw the ball joint into the end of the steering rod, observing the same number of turns noted during removal.
Reconnect the ball joint cone to the hub carrier pivot then reinstall the fixing nut.
If rotation occurs when tightening the ball joint axle nut, block it by exerting pressure below the ball joint using a jack.
Tighten the locknut counterclockwise.
Put the wheel back on and then bring the car back to the ground.
If there is a change in the vehicle's behavior after this operation or if there is any doubt, have the alignment done by a professional.