The tie rod ends on a Dodge Intrepid connect the steering knuckles to the steering rack and allow the wheels to turn left to right as the driver turns the wheel. The tie rods will wear as they age and eventually will become loose. In many states, the tie rods might need to be replaced to pass a safety inspection. Replacing the tie rods on your Intrepid when they become overly worn will help to increase the safety of your vehicle, and will also help to tighten up the steering.
Loosen the front wheels by rotating the lug nuts one full turn with a lug wrench.
Raise the front of the vehicle using an automotive jack. Support the vehicle with jack stands placed underneath the front subframe.
Unscrew the lug nuts on the front wheels using a lug wrench. Pull the wheels off the hubs and set them out of the way.
Straighten the cotter pin on the tie rod end stud, and pull it out using a needle nose pliers.
Loosen the castle nut on the tie rod end stud three full turns using a wrench.
Position a tie rod puller over the tie rod end and separate it from the steering arm by turning the bolt on the puller clockwise with a socket.
Measure the distance from the center of the tie rod end to the edge of the adjuster sleeve, using a ruler. Record this measurement--you will need it during reassembly.
Unscrew the tie rod from the adjusting sleeve, by turning it counterclockwise with your hand.
Screw the new tie rod into the adjusting sleeve, using your hand.
Measure the distance between the center of the tie rod end to the edge of the adjuster sleeve, using a ruler. The measurement should be the same as the measurement you took during disassembly. Adjust if necessary.
Push the tie rod end stud into the hole in the steering arm. Screw the castle nut onto the end stud and torque to 27 ft.-lbs. using a torque wrench.
Thread a new cotter pin into the hole on the tie rod end stud. Bend the ends of the pin, using a needle nose pliers.
Tighten the pinch bolt on the adjuster sleeve, and torque the bolt to 28 ft.-lbs. using a torque wrench.
Lift the front wheels onto the lug studs. Screw on the lug nuts, using a lug wrench.
Lower the vehicle.
Retighten the lug nuts on the front wheels, using a lug wrench.
Drive the vehicle to an alignment shop immediately and have them check the alignment.
