This guide provides instructions on changing the outer tie rod on Cadillac vehicles. Changing the tie rod on your Cadillac is easy and requires a few basic tools.
The typical cost to change a Cadillac tie rod at an auto repair shop or Cadillac dealer is between $360 and $480, plus the wheel alignment cost.
Symptoms
Below are some of the most common symptoms that indicate your Cadillac outer tie rod is bad.
- Cadillac has loose steering,
- Steering wheel shaking when hitting bumps,
- Excessive steering wheel play,
- Noise such as clunking or knocking,
- Cadillac pulls to one side,
- Steering wheel vibrations
What you will need
- Cadillac Outer Tie Rod
- Tie Rod Removal Tool
- Mechanic Toolset
- Car Jack
- Vehicle Jack Stands
- Torque Wrench
Procedure
Park the Cadillac on level ground. Set the barking parking brakes before you start working on your Cadillac. 
Remove the center cap from your Cadillac wheel. Brake, lose the lug nuts before you jack up your Cadillac. Do not remove the lug nuts completely yet.
Jack up the car and remove the front wheel. Secure the vehicle with jack stands.
Locate the out-tie rod. Here is a picture of the tie rod on a Cadillac.
Remove the cotter pin (split pin) from the tie rod end. This will allow you to remove the castle nut.
Remove the castle nut from the steering knuckle of your Cadillac. Use a wire brush to clean the threads if the threads are rusted. Apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak. Counter hold the tie rod end; otherwise, the castle nut will spin and refuse to come out.
Next, use a marker to mark the threads at the end of the outer tie rod. Keeping the alignment as close to stock as possible when installing the new outer tie rod will be easier. Loosen the bolt that holds the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod with an open-end wrench.
Use a tie rod puller or separator to disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle.
Remove the old tie rod by turning it counterclockwise several times. The inner tie rod has many threads, which can take a while.
Install the new tie rod in reverse order. Torque the castle and jam nut to specification, typically between 25 and 30 ft. lbs.
Drive your vehicle to an alignment shop to get the wheels aligned.
Torque Specs
- Tie rod to steering knuckle: 37ft/lbs – 48 ft/lbs
- Tie rod lock nut: 50 ft/lbs
- Lug nuts: 110 ft/lbs
Typical values may vary between models.
How much does it cost Cadillac outer tie rod?
The cost to change the Cadillac tie rod yourself is under $100. To change the tie rod on your Cadillac, plan on about two hours of labor.
When purchased online, new tie rods for Cadillac cost between $40 to $80. Follow the step-by-step instructions here to learn how to replace tie rods on Cadillac manufactured from 1990-Present. This guide applies to Cadillac ATS, CTS, XTS, CT6, XT5, Escalade, SRX, DTS, STS, BLS, and XLR.
We hope you find the Cadillac Tie Rod Replacement guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Cadillac.