Even the trusty Jeep Grand Cherokee needs attention when the tie rod ends need replacing. When the tie rods ends become loose, it can affect the steering and you must replace them to fix the vehicle. This is something even the amateur mechanic can do.
Buy toe rod ends that are specific to your Jeep Grand Cherokee's model year, as these parts can change from model year to model year. These replacement tie rod ends come with nuts and cotter pins (think bobby pin on steroids).
Loosen the lug nuts on the tires with a lug nut wrench, then jack up your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Once you have it safely supported on jack stands, you can remove the tires.
Use a wrench to loosen the jam nut. If your tie rod end has a cotter pin, take it out with needle-nosed pliers, then loosen the nut that secures the tie rod end to the ball stud.
Separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle using a tie rod separator.
Unscrew the tie rod end, and make sure you count the number of turns it takes. Write that number down.
Screw on the new tie rod end, and slip the end into the steering knuckle. Tighten the nut to 70 foot pounds. Tighten the jam nut to 60 foot pounds, then repeat the steps for the other tie rod end.
Put back on the tires, and tighten the lug nuts to 85 to 115 foot pounds. Get your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
