Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement
Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement
Special Tools
* CH-6321 - Inner Tie Rod Wrench
* CH-22610 - Keystone Clamp Pliers
For equivalent regional tools refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.
Disassembly Procedure
1. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement Steering Gear Replacement.
Note:
Count the number of complete rotations necessary in order to remove the steering linkage outer tie rod (2) from the steering linkage inner tie rod (1).
2. Remove the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod.
3. Remove the inner tie rod nut from the inner tie rod.
4. Remove the outboard boot clamp.
5. Remove the inboard boot clamp.
Discard the inboard boot clamp.
6. Remove the steering gear boot.
Note:
If corrosion or contamination is evident on the inner tie rod, replace the steering gear.
7. Inspect the inner tie rod for evidence of corrosion or contamination. If no corrosion or contamination is evident on the inner tie rod, continue with the repair.
8. Place the 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.
9. Slide the shock dampener (4) from the inner tie rod housing (6) to the rack (5).
Caution:
The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear.
10. Place a soft jaw pipe wrench or soft jaw pliers on the rack next to the inner tie rod housing.
11. Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing.
12. Rotate the inner tie rod housing counterclockwise, while holding the rack stationary, until the inner tie rod separates from the rack.
Note:
If the steering gear has a male rack (5) and a female inner tie rod (4), thread locking adhesive will not be present.
13. If the steering gear has a female rack (1) and a male inner tie rod (3), remove the old thread locking adhesive from the threads (2) on the inner tie rod and from the threads on the rack.
Assembly Procedure
Note:
* If the steering gear has a male rack (5) and a female inner tie rod (4), do not apply thread locking adhesive.
* The male inner tie rod threads (2) must be clean prior to applying the thread locking adhesive.
* Inspect the thread locking adhesive container for the expiration date.
* Use only enough thread locking adhesive in order to evenly coat the threads.
1. If the steering gear has a female rack (1) and a male inner tie rod (3), apply LOCTITE(R) 262, or the equivalent thread locking adhesive, to the threads on the inner tie rod.
2. Install the inner tie rod to the rack (3).
3. Place a soft jaw pipe wrench or soft jaw pliers on the rack next to the inner tie rod housing (2).
Caution:
Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.
4. Place a torque wrench and the CH-6321 - wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing. Tighten the inner tie rod to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).
5. Place the inner tie rod (2) on a vise.
Note:
If the steering gear has a female rack (1) and a male inner tie rod, do not stake.
6. If the steering gear has a male rack and a female inner tie rod, stake both sides of the inner tie rod housing to the rack.
7. Insert a 0.25 mm gauge (1) between the rack (2) and the inner tie rod housing in order to inspect the 2 stakes. The feeler gauge must not pass between the rack and the inner tie rod housing stake.
8. Slide the shock dampener (2) over the inner tie rod housing (3) until the front lip of the shock dampener bottoms against the inner tie rod housing.
9. Position the NEW inboard boot clamp (1) on the steering gear boot.
10. Position the steering gear boot with the NEW inboard boot clamp on the steering gear housing.
11. Use the CH-22610 - pliers in order to install the NEW inboard boot clamp.
12. Install the outboard boot clamp.
13. Install the inner tie rod nut (2) to the inner tie rod (1).
Note:
* Install the outer tie rod (3) with the same number of complete rotations as you counted during the removal.
* Do not tighten the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod nut yet.
* Tighten the inner tie rod nut to the outer tie rod while adjusting the front toe.
14. Install the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod.
15. Install the steering gear to the vehicle. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement Steering Gear Replacement.
16. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment.