Tie Rod: Service and Repair

DISASSEMBLY
1. Install two long bolts and washers through bushings and attach gear to holding fixture T57L-500-B, or equivalent.
2. Loosen jam nuts on outer ends of tie rods, then remove tie rod ends and jam nuts.
3. Remove four clamps attaching bellows to tie rods and gear housing.
4. Drain power steering fluid, then remove bellows with breather tube. Use care not to damage bellows.
5. If pinion is to be removed, remove pinion before proceeding.

Fig. 14 Roll Pin From Bal Socket Removal:

6. Thread point of Roll Pin Remover T78P-3504-N, or equivalent, into roll pin on ball socket and tighten tool finger tight, then remove roll pins.
7. If pinion was not removed, remove gear housing from holding fixture and place on bench to prevent damage to gear teeth.

Fig. 15 Tie Rod & Ball Socket Removal:

8. Position rack so that several teeth are exposed. Hold rack using an adjustable wrench on end teeth while loosening ball sockets with nut wrench T74P-3504-U, or equivalent.

ASSEMBLY
1. On models equipped with tie rods retained by a rivet or pin, proceed as follows:
a. Install tie rod and ball socket assemblies onto rack. Hold one ball socket with 15/16 inch wrench while tightening other ball socket using nut wrench T74P-3504-U, or equivalent. Both ball socket assemblies will be torqued simultaneously using this method. If pinion was not removed from housing, this step must be performed with the steering gear removed from the holding fixture and positioned on bench to prevent damage to gear teeth.
b. Support ball housing using a wooden block, then install roll pins by tapping lightly with a plastic mallet.
c. If pinion was removed, install pinion at this time.
d. Thoroughly clean rack and housing bore.
e. Apply lubricant to bellows clamp under cut on tie rod, then install bellows and breather tube.
f. Install clamps retaining bellows to steering gear. Use tool T63P-9171-A, or equivalent, to secure clamp to gear.
g. Install clamps retaining bellows to tie rods, then install jam nuts and tie rod end.
2. On models equipped with tie rods, not retained by a rivet or pin, proceed as follows:
a. Turn rack to left stop, then place a suitable adjustable wrench on rack to prevent turning during tightening procedures.
b. Using a suitable wrench, tighten tie rod to rack.
c. Install rack boots, then secure to rack body and tie rod using suitable clamps.
d. Install tie rod end jam nuts and tie rod ends to tie rods.