Center Link: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

- Tools Required
- J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
- J 24319-B Steering Linkage Puller





1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in Genera Information.
2. Remove the steering linkage shield. Refer to Steering Linkage Shield Replacement.
3. Remove the differential carrier shield mounting bolts.
4. Remove the differential carrier shield.





IMPORTANT: Use the proper tool in order to separate all ball joints.

5. Remove inner tie rods ball stud nuts.





6. Remove the inner tie rods ball studs from the relay rod using J 6627-A.





7. Remove the steering shock absorber ball stud nut at the relay rod.





8. Disconnect the steering shock absorber from the relay rod using J24319-B.





9. Remove the pitman arm ball stud nut at the relay rod.





10. Disconnect the pitman arm ball stud from the relay rod using J24319-B.





11. Remove the idler arm ball stud nut at the relay rod.





12. Disconnect the idler arm ball stud from the relay rod using J24319-a
13. Remove the relay rod.
14. Inspect the following components:
- The threads on the tie rod for damage
- The threads on the tie rod end for damage
- The ball stud threads for damage
- The ball stud seals for excessive wear
15. Clean the threads on the ball stud.
16. Clean the threads on the ball stud nut.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

- Tools Required
- J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm).
- J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm).





1. Install the idler arm ball stud to the relay rod. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194.
- Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
3. Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from the idler arm ball stud.
4. Install the new nut to the idler arm ball stud at the relay rod.
- Tighten the idler arm ball stud nut to 82 Nm (60 ft. lbs.).





5. Install the relay rod ball stud to the pitman arm. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.
6. Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194.
- Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
7. Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from the pitman arm ball stud.
8. Install the new nut to the pitman arm ball stud at the relay rod.
- Tighten the pitman arm ball stud nut to 83 Nm (61 ft. lbs.).





9. Connect the steering shock absorber to the relay rod.
10. Install the steering shock absorber ball stud nut at the relay rod.
- Tighten the steering shock absorber ball stud nut to 63 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).





11. Install the inner tie rod ball studs to the relay rod. Ensure the seal is on the stud.





12. Seat the tapers using J 29193 or J 29194.
- Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
13. Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from inner tie rod ball stud.
14. Repeat steps 12 and 13 for the opposite side.
15. Install the new nuts to the inner tie rod ball studs at the relay rod.
- Tighten the inner tie rod ball stud nuts to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).





16. Install the differential carrier shield.
17. Install the differential carrier shield mounting bolts.
- Tighten the differential carrier shield mounting bolts to 25 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).
18. Install the steering linkage shield. Refer to Steering Linkage Shield Replacement.
19. Lower the vehicle.
20. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.