Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement

Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement

Special Tools

J 34028 - Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Disassembly Procedure

1. Remove the power steering gear from the vehicle. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Service and Repair).





Note: After removing the boot, inspect the inner tie rod for evidence of corrosion or contamination. If none is evident, continue with the repair. If corrosion or contamination is evident, replace the steering gear.

2. Remove the power steering gear boot.
3. Place the power steering gear in a vise.

Caution: Do not change the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. Changing the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod could result in damage to the pinion and the steering gear.

4. Remove the shock dampener (4) from the steering linkage inner tie rod (6).
5. Slide the shock dampener (4) back on the power steering gear (5).

Caution: Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Caution (Pipe Wrench Positioning Caution).

6. Place a pipe wrench on the power steering gear rack (5) next to the power steering gear inner tie rod housing (6).
7. Place a wrench on the flats of the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (6).
8. Rotate the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (6) counterclockwise, while holding the power steering gear rack stationary, until the steering linkage inner tie rod separates from the power steering gear rack (5).




9. Remove the shock dampener (3) from the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (2).
10. Slide the shock dampener (3) back on the power steering gear rack (5).
11. Place a pipe wrench on the power steering gear rack.
12. Place a wrench on the flats of the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (2).
13. Rotate the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (2) counterclockwise, while holding the power steering gear rack stationary, until the steering linkage inner tie rod (1) separates from the power steering gear rack (5).




14. If a female power steering gear rack (1) and a male steering linkage inner tie rod (3) then remove the old LOCTITE(R) from the threads (2) of the steering linkage inner tie rod and the power steering gear rack.
If a male power steering gear rack (5) and a female steering linkage inner tie rod (4) then LOCTITE(R) will not be present.

Assembly Procedure




1. Slide the shock dampener (4) forward onto the power steering gear rack (3).

Note: Threads must be clean prior to the LOCTITE(R) application. Check the LOCTITE(R) or equivalent container for the expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE(R) to evenly coat the threads.

If a male power steering gear rack (3) and a female steering linkage inner tie rod (2) then do not apply LOCTITE(R).

2. If a female power steering gear rack (3) and a male steering linkage inner tie rod (2) then apply LOCTITE(R) 262 or equivalent to the steering linkage inner tie rod threads.
3. Attach the steering linkage inner tie rod onto the power steering gear rack (3).
4. Place a pipe wrench on the power steering gear rack (3) next to the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (2).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

5. Place a torque wrench and the J 34028 - wrench on the flats of the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (2).
6. Tighten the steering linkage inner tie rod housing to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).




7. Slide the shock dampener (2) forward onto the power steering gear rack.

Note: Threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE(R) application. Check the LOCTITE(R) or equivalent container for the expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE(R) to evenly coat the threads.

If a male power steering gear rack and a female steering linkage inner tie rod (1) then do not apply LOCTITE(R).

8. If a female power steering gear rack and a male steering linkage inner tie rod (1) then apply LOCTITE(R) 262 or equivalent to the steering linkage inner tie rod threads.
9. Attach the steering linkage inner tie rod (1) onto the power steering gear rack.
10. Place a pipe wrench on the rack next to the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (4).
11. Place a torque wrench and J 34028 on the flats of the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (7).
12. Tighten the steering linkage inner tie rod housing to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).




13. Place the steering linkage inner tie rod assembly (2) in a vise.

Note: If a female power steering gear rack (1) and a male steering linkage inner tie rod (2) then do not stake. If a male power steering gear rack (1) and a female steering linkage inner tie rod (2) then you must stake.

14. Stake both sides of the female steering linkage inner tie rod housing to the male power steering gear rack.




15. Insert a 0.25 mm gage (1) between the power steering gear rack (2) and the steering linkage inner tie rod housing in order to check both stakes. The feeler gage (1) must not pass between the power steering gear rack and the housing stake.




16. Slide the shock dampener (2) over the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (3) until the front lip of the shock dampener (2) bottoms against the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (3).
17. Install the power steering gear boot.
18. Install the power steering gear to the vehicle. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Service and Repair).