Tie Rod End - Service Procedure
NO.: TSB-88-19-001DATE: October, 1988
MODEL: 1989 Galant
SUBJECT:
GALANT TIE ROD END SERVICE PROCEDURE
[TSB Revision: TSB-88-19-001]
PURPOSE
This bulletin adds a service procedure tar the tie rod end ball joints used on all 1989 Galants. The procedure in the Service Manual applies to a type of ball joint that was not used in production The production ball joint is a spring-loaded ball joint as shown in Figure 1.
SERVICE MANUAL AFFECTED
1989 Galant Service Manual, Vol. 1, Page 19-15 and 19-31.
Please refer to the Procedure section in this bulletin for text and illustration needed to inspect the ball joint tar wear and proper operation. As reference to this bulletin, please write the TSB number in the revision boxes on Pages 19-15 and 19-31.
PROCEDURE
Inspect the tie rod ends for 1) adequate lubrication and 2) wear.
1. Visually inspect the rubber dust cover on the tie rod end. It should be dry and free from cracks. If there is grease on the outside, then there may be a leak in the dust cover. Clean off the grease and look for a crack or gap where the boot may have pulled loose from the joint. If the joint tests OK as in Step 2, the dust cover can be replaced.
2. Twist the tie rod. Force it up and down. Movement should be smooth, but there should be no play. If there is play or looseness, replace the joint.
NOTE:
If wear is suspected, but the joint seems otherwise OK, another test is possible. Compress the spring inside the joint as shown in Figure 2. A tie rod end in good condition will show .020" - .030" movement when measured. One that shows more than this should be replaced.