The tie rod end is part of the steering linkage that attaches a Nissan pickup's steering gear box to the wheels. When this part begins to wear, the toe angle of your front-end alignment becomes unstable. This can be seen as an acceleration in "feather edge"-type tire wear, and ruin the front tires very quickly if not repaired. The factory tie rod ends have no provision for lubrication maintenance. However, a quality replacement part for your Nissan pickup will have the needed grease fitting to allow service and extended life of the new part. Replacement is well within the abilities of most home mechanics.
Raise and support the vehicle with a floor jack and jack stands. This prevents the vehicle from falling on you while you work under it. Don't be one of the many people injured and killed every year by skipping this step.
Remove the retaining nut that attaches the tie rod end to the rest of the steering linkage and loosen the adjusting sleeve connecting the inner tie rod end to the outer tie rod end. Do not turn the adjusting sleeve. This makes installation of the new part easier.
Remove the old tie rod end from the steering knuckle or center link by placing the tie rod removal tool between the steering knuckle and tie rod end (for outer tie rod ends) or the center link and the tie rod end (for inner tie rod ends), and applying several sharp blows with a heavy hammer. Repeat this until the tie rod end pops loose. Then unscrew the old tie rod end from the adjusting sleeve, counting the number of turns as you go.
Install the grease fitting, supplied with the new tie rod end, and screw the new tie rod end into the adjusting sleeve the same number of turns as was required to remove it. This will allow the alignment to be close enough for you to drive the vehicle to the local auto repair shop, and have a front-end alignment performed without severe damage to the tires.
