Tie Rod: Service and Repair
INNER TIE RODInner Tie Rod:
Removal and Installation
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 may draw water and foreign material into the gear and damage internal components. Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.
Caution:
^ The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water. Water and foreign material trapped in the grease may damage the joint.
Caution:
^ If present, the orientation of the vent tubes must be noted so the boots and vent tubes may be installed in their original locations. Incorrect venting may lead to internal component damage.
Coil spring suspension vehicles
1. With the vehicle in neutral, position it on a hoist.
2. Loosen the tie-rod end jam nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 80 N-m (8.2 kgf-m, 59 ft-lbf).
3. Remove and discard the outer tie-rod end cotter pin and nut.
Caution:
^ Do not damage the tie-rod end boot when installing the special tool.
4. Using SST 211-105, or equivalent, disconnect the tie-rod end.
Note:
^ Count and record the number of times the outer tie-rod end turns for assembly reference.
5. Remove the outer tie-rod end.
6. Remove the tie-rod end jam nut.
Note:
^ If repairing the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner bellows boot to hold the steering gear.
7. Remove the inner and outer bellows boot clamps.
8. Remove the bellows boot.
Caution:
^ Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 21 mm (0.82 in) 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:
^ The help of an assistant may be needed for removal of the RH inner tie rod.
9. Using SST 211-D029, or equivalent, remove the inner tie rod.
Tightening Torque:
100 Nm (10.2 kgf-m, 74 ft-lbf)
Torsion bar suspension vehicles
10. Loosen the tie-rod end jam nut.
Tightening Torque:
80 Nm (8.2 kgf-m, 59 ft-lbf)
11. Remove the steering gear.
Note:
^ Count and record the number of times the outer tie-rod end turns for assembly reference.
12. Remove the outer tie-rod end and jam nut.
Note:
^ If repairing the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner bellows boot to hold the steering gear.
13. Remove the inner and outer bellows boot clamps.
Caution:
^ Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 21 mm (0.82 in) 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:
^ The help of an assistant may be needed for removal of the RH inner tie rod.
14. Using SST 211-D029, or equivalent, remove the inner tie rod.
Tightening Torque:
100 Nm (10.2 kgf-m, 74 ft-lbf)
All vehicles
Caution:
^ Thoroughly remove any dirt or foreign material that is present. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.
15. Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Install new parts as necessary.
16. Check 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.
^ Check that the bellows boot seal is not twisted and the breather tube is securely inserted into the breather nipple at both bellows boots.
Note:
^ Lubricate the inner tie rod inside groove with steering gear grease where the bellows boot is clamped.
17. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Check and if necessary align the front end. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREINSPECTION. Wheel Alignment Pre-Inspection