2006-2018 Toyota RAV4 Inner & Outer Tie Rod Replacement Under $50

Описание: This video shows how I replaced the INNER and OUTER tie rods on my 2007 Toyota RAV4 V6 3.5L — the model that often gets mixed up with the 4-cylinder version.

⚠️ Important: This video covers BOTH outer and inner tie rods, explains the size differences on aftermarket parts, and shows how to use the AutoZone loaner inner tie rod tool.

🔧 WHY I DID THIS

My steering wheel had been shaking and rocking violently, and the car was pulling hard to the right.
A visual inspection and the classic 9 & 3 wheel wiggle test made it obvious that multiple tie rods were completely worn out.

I initially replaced:

Driver-side outer tie rod
Then:

Passenger-side outer tie rod
Which revealed:

A bad passenger-side inner tie rod

After watching my own footage later, I realized the driver-side inner tie rod was also bad, so this video finishes the job.

🧰 PARTS USED (AFFILIATE)

All 4 Inner + Outer Tie Rods (Full Kit):
👉 https://amzn.to/4q5AIzV

💲 $46.99 (Prime 2-Day Shipping)

This same repair would easily cost $500–$800 at a shop.

⚙️ IMPORTANT SIZE DIFFERENCES (AFTERMARKET vs TOYOTA)

If you use the replacement kit above, note the differences:

Castle Nut (Outer Tie Rod):

Toyota: 17 mm

Replacement: 3/4"

Jam Nut:

Toyota: 19 mm

Replacement: 23 mm

Inner Tie Rod Tool Size:

Toyota inner: 33.6 mm

Replacement inner: 1-1/4"

The video shows me discovering this in real time.

🔩 INNER TIE ROD TOOL (FREE RENTAL)

I borrowed the AutoZone Loan-A-Tool Inner Tie Rod Tool:

AutoZone Part #: 57346

💲 About $102 deposit

✅ 100% refunded when returned

This tool + a breaker bar makes the job straightforward.

🛠️ BASIC PROCESS (OVERVIEW)

Remove wheel

Loosen jam nut first

Remove cotter pin

Remove castle nut

Count turns when removing outer tie rod

Install new outer tie rod with same number of turns

Use rag + hammer to avoid damaging threads

Remove inner tie rod boot

Use loaner tool + breaker bar to remove inner tie rod

Install new inner tie rod

Reassemble everything

⚠️ ALIGNMENT REQUIRED

After replacing inner or outer tie rods, you must get an alignment:

Toe will be affected

Prevents tire wear

Ensures safe steering

I explain why in the video.

✅ RESULTS

Steering is much smoother

Wobble is dramatically reduced

Car feels safer and more controlled

More suspension work may still be needed (sway bar links, etc.), but every tie rod I removed was legitimately worn out.

📹 FILMED WITH

GoPro Max 360

Phone footage for close-ups

🔧 BONUS

I also show off my Harbor Freight gold ratchet (lifetime warranty)