Tie Rod End: Testing and Inspection

NOTE: When measuring tie rod socket end play the total weight of the vehicle must be supported by the tires and suspension of the vehicle. Do not support the vehicle by other then a drive on hoist or an alignment rack.

1. Position the vehicle on a drive on hoist or an alignment rack so that the tires are supporting the total weight of the vehicle.
2. Raise hoist or alignment rack so that the tie rod is positioned at eye level.






3. Mount a dial indicator to the front strut assembly.
4. Install a U-bolt having an inside dimension of 2 inches and a length of 3 inches (minimum) on the tie rod end and steering arm of strut as shown in the image. Hand tighten nuts on U-bolt enough to just hold U-bolt in place.
5. Position dial indicator in center of tie rod as shown in the image. Zero the dial indicator gauge.
6. Equally tighten both nuts on the U-bolt until a torque of 2.7 Nm (24 inch lbs.) is achieved on each nut. Listed is the allowable tie rod socket end play. New ball joint end play should not be greater then 0.100 inches. Ball joint in service end play should not be greater then 0.190.
7. If end play for a ball joint in service is greater then the specification listed in Step 6 the ball joint will require replacement.