Steering: Service and Repair

Steering. Knock-Sound at Full Lock







When front wheels are fully turned, the spindle end stop can contact the control arm stop clip and, in some cases, cause a knocking sound. This does not affect steering operation or control. However, some customers may complain about this sound.

In most cases, simply greasing the contact points on the spindle stops and control arm clips will eliminate this knock-sound.

In cases where the sound is still heard, perform the following operation as a warranty repair. Install a spacer on each side of the steering rack next to the tie rod inner socket.

Service Kit, p/n 271800-5, contains necessary parts.

In addition to installing spacers, modify each steering knuckle end stop, see Modify spindle end stops.







Remove engine cover plates.

Right and left side operations are as follows:

- Clean around the boot and remove large boot clamp. Remove small spring clamp from boot, sliding it onto the tie rod.

Be careful not to damage the boot.

- Slide boot off rack further onto the tie rod.

- Warm the spacer in hot water to make it easier to install on the rack.

- Push spacer onto the rack with flat side of spacer facing the gear housing.

- Push spacer into the recess against tie rod inner socket.






Re-install boot

- Ensure that rubber seal (A) on steering gear is in place.

- Install boot on the steering gear with a new steel clamp, p/n 1387840-0 (included in kit).

Note! Do not re-use plastic clamps.

- Re-install spring clamps on small end of boot.

Caution! It is very important that the boots are properly installed and not damaged. Otherwise, leakage and contamination can occur.

Modify Spindle End Stops






Warning! Use protective eye wear when grinding.

- Remove wheels.

- Grind down the area of the end stop where contact marks are visible. Depth of material to remove is 4 mm maximum; see illustrations.






Caution! Excessive removal of material might allow the wheels to hit the wheel housing liner when turning to a full lock.

- Round off the edge of the ground area so that there is no sharp or defined edge.

- After completion, use sandpaper or a file to smooth off ground area. Also clean surface rust from link arm clip and file smooth if needed.

- Clean and apply grease, p/n 1161325-4, to end stops and link arm clips.

- Re-install wheels and cross-torque wheel bolts to specification.

Right End Stop Viewed From Behind






WARRANTY STATEMENT: Claims may be submitted under the New Car Limited Warranty when a manufacturing defect is present using claim type: 01.
Symptom code: 51