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Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E-Class AMG: How to Replace Tie Rod Ends

Many times, only the outer tie rods wear out, leaving you with poor steering at high speeds. Luckily, it's a quick fix for your E-Class or E-Class AMG.

By Jeffrey Smith - June 12, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E-Class AMG (2002-2009).

If your car is handling poorly at high speeds, such as swaying or feeling like there's not much grip on the road, your tie rod ends may be worn. Luckily, it is relatively quick and cheap to change out the tie rod ends. However, you will absolutely need an alignment after this job. You may also find that there is a special tool to use to get the tie rod knuckle bolt off, but there is a work-around for this. Some folks purchase a basic pickle fork which is only $10-15, but you can cause some damage to the rubber grease cup so additional care must be taken. There is also a work-around with some spray lubricant, a pry bar and a big hammer. Again, care should be taken when using this economical method.

If you want to go by the book, you may be able to rent the proper MB specialized tool to get it off. This job isn't too tough, and if you are really careful with one of the alternative methods (such as hammer and pry bar) you can save yourself a bundle of cash from not taking it to a professional to do. As always, working with any vehicle's suspension is a significant job, so for safety's sake, if you have any trepidation about doing it yourself, find and honest and reputable professional to do the work for you.

Materials Needed

  • Hydraulic floor jack
  • Jack stands
  • Wheel chocks
  • Breaker bar for lugs (optional)
  • Pry bar and large hammer (option 1), pickle fork (option 2), or proper MB removal tool (option 3)
  • Spray penetrating lubricant

This guide will use the most economical method with no special tools.

Step 1 – Loosen lugs, lift front end and remove wheels

Use a breaker bar to loosen the lugs before you raise the car. Raise the front end at the proper jacking location and place on jack stands, again, in the proper jack stand locations. Chock front and back of each rear wheel. Remove the front tires.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up E-Class - MBWorld.org)

Figure 1. Make sure you use the proper locations for setting the jack stands.

Pro Tip

You will do plenty of serious beating to your suspension. Make sure that you use good quality jack stands and block those rear tires.

Step 2 – Loosen the self locking nut above the knuckle

Loosen the self locking nut above the knuckle and leave it on by just a few threads. Spray some penetrating lubricant up under the nut so it enters into the tapered end. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Figure 2. Loosen the top locking nut a little and spray some lubricant in there to help with the removal process.

Step 3 – Beat the knuckle

Place a pry bar on the knuckle between the tie rod ball joint and where the nut is, or use the pry bar to put pressure on the tie rod sideways below the nut and knuckle (see 10A in figure 3). Use a combination of these two areas and some heavy blows with a large hammer. It will pop free.

Figure 3. Use a large hammer to pound in area 10a to knock the knuckle loose.

Step 4 – Replace the outer tie rod and reconnect the knuckle

When you replace the tie rod ends, be sure to count the number of revolutions when separating the end part. When you replace it, so long as the number of threads match, try putting it back on by the same number of revolutions. This will help with the alignment that must happen after this job is done. With as much beating as you put on the car, you certainly will need an alignment.

Figure 4. Make sure the new matches the old in size and thread count.

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