Tie rod end tighten?

2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT
263,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TJMOWBRAY
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Changing a tie rod end do I tighten the nut all the way down or just enough to get the cotter pin in
Mar 13, 2026 at 7:46 PM
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STRAILER
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You should tighten the tie rod end nut fully to the proper torque specification first, and then align the castle nut slot with the hole for the cotter pin. Do not leave the nut loose, that will cause the tie rod end to rattle inside the spindle bulkhead. Ken
Mar 14, 2026 at 11:19 AM
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STEVE W.
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The tie rods usually have a torque range. My SOP is to tighten them to the minimum torque, then see if any of the holes line up? If yes, install the pin. If not you can still tighten it within the spec until they do line up. FYI the "fixing nut" on yours has a torque spec of 24-33 Nm ( 18-24 ft lb) Just don't go to the top number first, you don't really want to back off if possible.
Mar 14, 2026 at 11:49 AM
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