Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Inner Tie Rod













Removal and Installation

NOTICE: 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 foreign material into the gear. Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.

NOTICE: The inner tie-rod ball socket grease is not compatible with water. Water trapped in the grease will damage the joint.

NOTICE: If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the boots and vent tubes may be installed in the correct location. Incorrect venting may lead to internal component damage.

1. Remove the wheel and tire.

2. Loosen the tie-rod jam nut.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

3. NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the nut.

Remove the nut and detach the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.

- To install, 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).

4. NOTE: Note the number of times the outer tie-rod end turns for assembly reference.

Remove the outer tie-rod end.

5. Remove the tie-rod jam nut.

6. NOTE: If repairing the inner tie rod on the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the bellows boot on the LH side to hold the steering gear.

Remove the inner and outer bellows boot clamps.

- Remove the bellows boot.

7. NOTICE: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and prevent damage during removal and installation of the inner tie rod.

NOTE: An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH inner tie rod.

While holding the steering gear rack, use an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to remove the inner tie rod.

- To install, tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).

8. NOTICE: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.

NOTICE: Make sure that the bellows boot is not twisted or damage to the boot may occur.

NOTICE: Lubricate the inner tie-rod inner groove with grease where the bellows boot is clamped. Make sure that the bellows boot is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead at the large inside diameter and is in the inner tie-rod groove at the small inside diameter.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Install new parts as necessary.

9. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe.