Does your Kia Optima have a squealing sound when turning, and the tire wear is uneven due to a faulty tie rod? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing the tie rod of your Kia Optima. This is a step-by-step instruction on replacing the tie rod on a 2016-2020 Kia Optima.

What you will need

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  • Floor Jack
  • Jack stands
  • Wheel chocks
  • Tire rod or breaker bar
  • 24mm wrench
  • 14mm wrench
  • Tie rod (Kia Optima)

Procedure

  1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and loosen the lug nuts of the front wheel.Loosening the lug nuts on the front wheel.
  2. Jack up the vehicle on the jack points below the front door and remove the front wheel. Support the vehicle with jack stands and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.Supporting the vehicle with jack stands.
  3. Turn the vehicle to the left to have better access to the tie rod on the back of the rotor.Turning the steering wheel to have easier access to the tie rod.
  4. Spray penetrating on the tie rod.
  5. Turn the 24mm nut and get it loose.Twisting the 24mm nut on the tie rod.Twisting the 24mm nut on the tie rod.
  6. Remove the cotter pin above the 14mm bolt and loosen the bolt using a 14mm wrench.Removing the metal clip on the tie rod.Loosening the 14mm nut on the tie rod.Removing the 14mm nut on the tie rod.
  7. Use a hamper or clamp to push the tie rod out and remove the 14mm nut.Pushing the tie rod out from the vehicle.Removing the tie rod from the vehicle.
  8. Once the tie rod drops down, turn it to disconnect it from the inner tie rod.Spinning the tire rod out from the vehicle.
  9. Get the new tie rod and spin it back to the 24mm nut. Installing the new tie rod.
  10. Spin the tie rod back to the 24mm nut and install the new 14mm nut into the tie rod. Then insert the new cotter pin into the tie rod.Installing the new tie rod.Installing the new 14mm nut on the tie rod.Installing the new 14mm nut on the tie rod.Torque Specification: 29.4 – 34.3N.m (21.7 – 25.7lb-ft)Installing the new cotter pin on the tie rod.
  11. Tighten the 24mm nut back in its place.Tightening the 24mm nut on the tie rod.
  12. Reinstall the wheel and test drive the vehicle.
  13. Have a repair shop perform front wheel alignment.

We hope you find the Kia Optima Tie Rod Replacement DIY guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Kia.

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