Tie Rod: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE OPPOSITE END OF THE VEHICLE THAT COMPONENTS WILL BE REMOVED FROM.

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Remove wheel and tire.
3. Remove tie rod end-to-knuckle nut and discard.
4. Loosen outer tie rod-to-inner tie rod lock nut.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to separate the joint using a wedge-type tool because the seal may be damaged.





5. Using Tie Rod Separator, separate outer tie rod from steering knuckle.

6. Unthread outer tie rod from inner tie rod and remove from vehicle.

INSTALLATION

IMPORTANT: Tie rod end threads must be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated before tightening nut. Lubricate only the thread part of the stud. Do not lubricate the smooth tapered portion of the stud.





1. Thread outer tie rod onto inner tie rod.





2. A. If equipped with a cotterpin and castle nut, attach tie rod end-to-steering knuckle with castle nut.

Torque: 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.)

IMPORTANT: If it is necessary to rotate the castle nut after tightening to align it with the hole in the stud, always tighten the nut to align it; never loosen it. Install new cotter pin.





B. If equipped with a torque prevailing (self-locking) nut, attach tie rod-to-steering knuckle with a NEW nut. Prevent tie rod ball stud from turning while tightening torque prevailing nut.

Torque: 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.)

IMPORTANT: Lower control arm ball stud threads must be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated before installing and tightening nut.

3. Tighten ball joint stud castle nut.

Torque: 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.)

IMPORTANT: If it is necessary to rotate the castle nut after tightening to align it with the hole in the stud, always tighten the nut to align it; never loosen it. Install new cotter pin.





4. Hand tighten inner tie rod-to-outer tie rod lock nut.

NOTICE: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel nuts to loosen in service.

5. Position wheel onto hub.
6. Install wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening pattern to make sure torque is correct.

Torque: 140 Nm (103 ft. lbs.)

7. Set toe. Refer to ALIGNMENT in WHEELS, TIRES AND ALIGNMENT.