Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

Tools Required
- J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
- J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

All procedures for the alignment, the adjustment, and the assembly of the tie rods apply to the left and the right sides.

Important: Use the proper tool in order to separate all of the tie rods and the ball joints.

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the cotter pin and the castellated nut from the outer tie rod.





3. Remove the prevailing torque nut (7) from the inner tie rod (5). Discard the prevailing torque nut (7).

Notice: Do not attempt to disconnect a steering linkage joint by driving a wedge between the joint and the attached part. Seal damage may result which will cause premature failure of the joint.





4. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle.





5. Use the J 6627-A in order to remove the inner tie rod from the relay rod.





6. Loosen the adjuster tube clamp bolts (3).
7. Unscrew the tie rod ends from the adjuster tube (4).
8. Remove the inner tie rod ends (5) from the adjuster tube (4).
9. Inspect the following components for damage:
- The threads on the tie rod (1, 5)
- The ball stud threads
- The adjuster tube (4) for bending or damaged threads
- The tie rod end seals for excessive wear
10. Clean the threads on the ball stud and in the ball stud nut.
11. Clean the tapered surfaces.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required
- J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)

Lubricate the tie rod threads with chassis lubricant if the tie rod ends were removed from the adjuster tube.





1. Loosen the clamps (2) on the adjuster tube (4).
2. Install the tie rod ends to the adjuster tube (4). The number of threads on the inner tie rod (5) and the outer tie rod (1) ends must be equal within 3 threads.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Use the J 29193 in order to install the inner tie rod (5) to the relay rod (8). Ensure that the seal is on the stud.
Tighten the J 29193 to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) in order to seat the tapers.
4. Remove the J 29193.
5. Install the new prevailing torque nut (7) to the inner tie rod (5).
Tighten the prevailing torque nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
6. Install the outer tie rod (1) ball stud to the steering knuckle. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

Important: Tighten the castellated nut up to an additional 1/6 amount in order to insert the cotter pin through the outer tie rod ball stud. Do not back the nut off in order to align the cotter pin hole.





7. Install the castellated nut.
Tighten the castellated nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends flat against the nut flats.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Adjust the toe-in. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Alignment.