Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Inner Tie Rod

Special Tool(s):

Material:

Removal

CAUTION: The boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight the vacuum generated during turning draws water and contamination into the gear causing premature damage.

CAUTION: Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.

CAUTION: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water, and contamination trapped in the grease degrades the life of the joint.

CAUTION: If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the boots and vent tubes can be installed in the correct location.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Remove the tie-rod end nut.
3. Loosen the tie-rod end Jam nut.

4. NOTE: Count the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod end for reference during installation.

Disconnect the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle and remove the tie-rod end.
5. Remove the tie-rod end Jam nut.
6. Remove the outer bellows clamp.
7. Remove and discard the inner bellows clamp.
8. Remove the steering gear bellows.





9. CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 15/16 inch crowfoot on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal and installation of the inner tie rod.

NOTE: An assistant may be needed to aid in the removal of the RH inner tie rod.

Using the (1) special too], remove the (2) inner tie rod.

Installation

1. CAUTION: Remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.

Using the special tool, install the inner tie rod.
^ Tighten to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).

2. CAUTION: Make sure the steering gear bellows is positioned between the 2 grooves on the inner tie rod or an internal leak can result.

NOTE: Lubricate the inner tie-rod groove with steering gear grease where the steering gear bellows is clamped.

Install the steering gear bellows.





3. NOTE: Check that the steering gear bellows is not twisted and the vent tube (if equipped) is securely inserted into the vent nipple in the steering gear bellows.

Using the special tool, install the inner bellows clamp.
4. install the outer bellows clamp.
5. Thread the tie-rod end jam nut onto the inner tie rod.
6. Install the tie-rod end the same number of turns noted during removal.
7. Connect the tie-rod end to the wheel knuckle and install the nut.
^ Tighten to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).

8. Tighten the tie-rod end jam nut.
^ Tighten to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).

9. Check and, if necessary, align the front wheels.