Tie Rod: Service and Repair
REMOVAL PROCEDURE- Tools Required
- J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
IMPORTANT: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.
1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with safety stands.
2. Remove the nut (1) from the outer or inner tie rod ball stud (3).
3. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the outer tie rod ball studs from the steering knuckle.
4. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the inner tie rod ball studs from the relay rod.
5. Remove the tie rod ends from the adjuster tube. Loosen the clamp bolts (2) and unscrew the end assemblies.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
- Clean the threads on the ball stud and the nut.
- Clean the tapered surfaces.
- Inspect the tie rod end for damage.
- Inspect the tie rod end seals for excessive wear.
- Inspect the threads on the tie rod and the tie rod end for damage.
- Inspect the ball stud threads for damage.
- Inspect the adjuster tube for bent or damaged threads.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
- Tools Required
- J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)
- J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm)
1. If you remove the tie rod ends, lubricate the tie rod threads with chassis lubricant. Refer to Fluid Type Specifications.
2. Install the tie rod ends to the adjuster tube (1). The number of threads on both the inner and the outer rod ends must be equal to within 3 threads.
NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
3. Install the inner tie rod ball studs to the relay rod. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.
- Tighten the J 29193 or the J 29194 to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) in order to seat the tapers.
4. Remove the tool.
5. Install a new torque prevailing nut to the inner tie rod ball stud.
- Tighten the nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
6. Install the outer tie rod ball studs to the steering knuckle.
7. Install a new torque prevailing nut.
- Tighten the nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
8. Adjust the adjuster tube clamp bolts. Before tightening the clamp bolts, ensure that the following conditions occur:
- Position the clamp between the locating dimples at either end of the adjuster tube.
- Position the clamps within the angular travel (4).
- Make sure the slot in the sleeve is not positioned within the clamp opening.
9. Rotate the inner and outer tie rod ends to the full travel.
- Maintain the position of each tie rod end while you tighten the clamps in order to ensure free movement of each joint.
- The clamp ends may touch when the nuts are tightened to specification, but the gap next to the adjuster cannot be less than the minimum dimension.
- Tighten the adjuster tube clamp bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
10. Remove the safety stands. Lower the vehicle.
11. Adjust the toe as needed. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Alignment.