Tie Rod: Service and Repair
Inner Tie RodSpecial Tool(s):
Material:
Removal and Installation
CAUTION: The bellows 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 will draw 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 tie rod ball socket grease is not compatible with water and contamination trapped in the grease will degrade 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. WARNING: If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, the electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing. This can be accomplished by turning of the air suspension switch located in the luggage compartment. Failure to do so may result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
Turn the air suspension switch to the OFF position.
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
3. Loosen the outer tie-rod end jam nut.
^ To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).
4. NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the nut.
Remove the nut and detach the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.
^ To install, 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).
5. NOTE: Note the number of times the tie-rod ends turn for assembly reference.
Remove the tie-rod end.
6. Remove the outer tie-rod end Jam nut.
7. NOTE: If repairing the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner tie-rod bellows boot to hold the steering gear.
Remove the inner and outer bellows boot clamps.
^ Remove the bellows boot.
8. CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 20 mm (0.78 inch) crowfoot on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and prevent damage during removal and installation of the front wheel spindle tie rod.
NOTE: An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH inner tie rod.
Using the special tool, remove the inner tie rod.
9. CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.
CAUTION: Make sure that the bellows boot is not twisted.
CAUTION: Lubricate the inner tie-rod inner groove with grease where the bellows boot seal is clamped. Make sure that the bellows boot seal is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead at the large inside diameter (ID) and is in the inner tie-rod groove at the small ID.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Install new parts as necessary.
10. Check and, if necessary, align the front end.
11. Turn the air suspension service switch to the ON position.