In most Honda Accord models, replacing outer tie rod ends on both sides typically runs in the low-to-mid hundreds of dollars per axle when you include parts, labor, and a wheel alignment. If inner tie rods or the steering rack are involved, the price climbs into the higher hundreds or even the low thousands, depending on the model year and parts chosen. Prices vary by region, shop, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.
Understanding what affects the price
The final cost depends on which components are being replaced, how many are replaced, and whether an alignment is included. Below is a breakdown of common scenarios for a Honda Accord.
- Outer tie rod ends replacement on one side: typically the lowest-cost scenario, but still requires parts, labor, and alignment.
- Outer tie rod ends replacement on both sides: more parts and labor, but the same alignment is usually required.
- Inner tie rods replacement (one or both sides): more labor and parts, and sometimes involves removing or adjusting other steering components.
- Rack-and-pinion replacement (steering rack): a larger job that can involve significant labor and parts costs plus alignment.
Overall, most owners see outer tie rod end work on both sides land in the hundreds of dollars per axle once labor and alignment are included, while inner tie rods or rack work push costs higher. Always obtain a written, itemized quote before authorizing work.
Outer tie rod ends: cost breakdown
What you’re paying for
The following components typically shape the price for replacing outer tie rod ends on a Honda Accord.
- Parts: Outer tie rod ends cost about $20-$60 each; replacing both sides doubles that to roughly $40-$120 in parts.
- Labor: Labor time is usually 1-2 hours per side, with shop rates commonly in the $75-$150 per hour range. For both sides, expect about $150-$600 in labor total.
- Alignment: A wheel alignment after replacing tie rods is usually required and costs about $75-$150.
Conclusion: A typical outer tie rod end replacement on both sides for a Honda Accord runs roughly $340-$970, depending on part choice and local labor rates.
Inner tie rods and rack work: cost ranges
When inner components are involved
If wear is found on inner tie rods or the steering rack, the job becomes more expensive due to additional parts and longer labor times. Here’s how those costs commonly break down.
- Parts: Inner tie rod ends cost about $40-$120 each; replacing both sides ranges from $80-$240 in parts.
- Labor: Replacing inner tie rods typically requires more time—roughly 2-4 hours per axle. Labor costs can total about $150-$600 per axle, depending on rates and complexity.
- Alignment: After any steering component replacement, an alignment is usually needed, costing about $75-$150.
Conclusion: Inner tie rod replacement on one or both sides can bring the total to roughly $265-$870 per axle, with both sides falling toward the upper end of that range.
Steering rack replacement: when it becomes necessary
Rack-and-pinion replacement overview
Replacing the steering rack is a larger, less common repair and tends to be much more expensive. Prices vary widely based on model year, part choice, and labor rates.
- Parts: Rack assemblies typically run from about $350-$1,000 or more, depending on OEM vs. aftermarket options.
- Labor: Labor to replace a steering rack is substantial, often in the range of 2-6 hours, with rates around $75-$150 per hour.
- Alignment: An alignment is almost always required after a rack replacement, adding about $75-$150.
Conclusion: A steering rack replacement can range from approximately $900 to $2,000 or more, depending on parts and labor, with alignments included in many estimates.
Summary
For most Honda Accord owners, the standard outer tie rod end replacement on one or both front sides sits in the hundreds of dollars per axle when parts, labor, and alignment are included. If you need inner tie rods or a full rack replacement, costs rise significantly, often into the mid-to-upper range of several hundred dollars per axle, and potentially into the low thousands for rack replacement. Always compare multiple quotes, confirm whether an alignment is included, and choose parts (OEM vs aftermarket) that fit your budget and risk tolerance.