Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Rack and Pinion Inner Tie Rod Replacement

Removal Procedure




1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle.
3. Remove the rack and pinion boot.
4. Remove the shock dampener (2) from the inner tie rod (5).
5. Slide the shock dampener (2) back onto the rack (1).
Important: Hold the steering rack while removing the inner tie rod by placing a wrench on the flats of the gear teeth.

6. Remove the inner tie rod (5) from the rack assembly (1) as follows:

* Hold the gear by placing a wrench on the flats of the gear teeth (3).
* Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (4).
* Rotate the inner tie rod housing (4) counterclockwise until the inner tie rod (5) separates from the rack.




7. Remove the old Loctite(R) from the threads (2) of the rack (1) and the inner tie rod (3).

Installation Procedure

Important: Make sure the shock dampener is on the rack before installing the inner tie rod.

The threads must be clean prior to the Loctite(R) application. Check the Loctite(R) (or equivalent) container for expiration date. Use only enough Loctite(R) to evenly coat the threads.




1. Apply Loctite(R) 262 (or equivalent) to the inner tie rod threads (2).
2. Install the inner tie rod (3) to the rack and pinion (1).





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

3. Install a torque wrench (5) to the appropriate size crows foot to tighten the inner tie rod.
Hold the rack (3) while tightening the tie rod (4) as shown.

Tighten the inner tie rod (6) to 80 N.m (60 lb ft).




4. Slide the shock dampener (2) over the inner tie rod housing (3) until the front lip of the shock dampener bottoms out against the inner tie rod housing.
5. Install the rack and pinion boot.
6. Install the tire and wheel assembly to the vehicle.
7. Remove the safety stands.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment.