Center Link: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

- Tools Required
- J6627-A Tie Rod / Wheel Stud Puller
- J42089 Linkage Installer
- J42400 Relay Rod Removal Tool

Notice: Do not attempt to disconnect a steering linkage joint by driving a wedge between the joint and the attached part. Seal damage may result which will cause premature failure of the joint.

Caution: To help avoid personal Injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle at the opposite end from which components are being removed. This will reduce the possibility of the vehicle falling off the hoist.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the inner tie rod ball stud nuts.





3. Use the J6627-A to remove the inner tie rods from the relay rod.
4. Remove the relay rod ball stud nut from the pitman arm.
5. Use the J42400 to remove the relay rod ball stud from the pitman arm.
6. Remove the relay rod ball stud nut from the idler arm.
7. Use the J42400 to remove the relay rod ball stud from the idler arm.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the relay rod to the idler arm.
2. Install the J42089 to the relay rod ball stud.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

- Tighten the J42089 to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.) to allow the ball stud taper to seat.
3. Remove the J42089 from the relay rod ball stud.

Important: Use a new self-locking relay rod ball stud nut.

4. Install the relay rod ball stud-to-idler arm nut.
- Tighten the relay rod ball stud-to-idler arm nut to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
5. Install the relay rod to the pitman arm.
6. Install the J42089 to the relay rod ball stud.
- Tighten the J42089 to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.) to allow the ball stud taper to seat.
7. Remove the J42089 from the relay rod ball stud.

Important: Use a new self-locking relay rod ball stud nut.

8. Install the relay ball stud-to-pitman arm nut.
- Tighten the relay rod ball stud-to-pitman arm nut to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the inner tie rods into the relay rod.
10. Install the J42089 to tie rod ball stud.
- Tighten the J42089 to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.) to allow the tie rod ball stud taper to seat.
11. Remove the J42089 from the tie rod ball stud.
12. Install a new self-locking tie rod ball stud nut.
- Tighten the ball stud nut to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Adjust the toe to the proper specification. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment.