Tie Rod Ball Stud Housing Misalignment Check

TIE ROD BALL STUD HOUSING MISALIGNMENT CHECK

Special Tools:










NOTE: This procedure describes how to check for parallel alignment of the RH and LH steering tie rod ball stud housings. It is essential to have these within +/-3 degrees of parallel to prevent ball stud durability issues.

NOTE: All views, left side shown, right side similar.






1. Position the vehicle on a level surface with vehicle weight on the front tires, and place the front wheels in the straight ahead position
2. Make sure the circular bottom plane (2) of the LH and RH tie rod ball stud housings (1) are free of debris and burrs.






NOTE: Measure and record the RH tie rod angle first to establish a baseline for the truck, then measure and record the LH tie rod angle using the same procedure used on the right tie rod. Measure both the RH and LH tie rod ball stud housing angles from underneath the truck using the following steps.

3. Hold the (2) securely under the circular bottom plane of the ball stud housing (1). Make sure the tool makes contact with the entire perimeter of the ball stud housing (1) and is not resting on the domed cap or grease fitting.






NOTE: The angle on the inclinometer is POSITIVE WHEN THE NEEDLE IS FORWARD of the zero degree mark (pointing toward the front of the truck on both the LH or RH sides) and NEGATIVE WHEN AFTER the zero (pointing toward the rear of the truck). The tie rod angle readings should always be positive unless castor is significantly out of specifications.

4. Mount the (2) on the flat bottom surface of (1) in the fore-aft orientation. Record the tie rod angle, then repeat steps 3, 4 on the LH tie rod end.

5. Determine the offset of the RH and LH tie rod ball stud housings by calculating the difference between the LH and RH ball stud angles. For example, if one side is +3 degrees and the other side is -4 degrees then the difference is 7 degrees.
- Equal to or less than 3 degree difference - no further action needs to be taken, return to the previous procedure step and continue that procedure.
- Over 3 degree difference with a new LH tie rod end - Loosen the LH tie rod adjustment sleeve bolts and rotate the tie rod end to adjust the ball stud housing to within 3 degrees of the RH side, then proceed with alignment or toe adjustment Service and Repair.
- Over 3 degree difference without a new LH tie rod end - Replace the LH tie rod end Tie Rod End - Removal.

NOTE: Any future alignment process on a recirculating ball steering systems should use this procedure.