Tie Rod End: Service and Repair

TIE ROD

REMOVAL - OUTER TIE ROD
1. Raise vehicle.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly.





3. Loosen inner tie rod-to-outer tie rod jam nut.





4. Remove nut attaching outer tie rod end to steering knuckle. Nut is to be removed from tie rod end using the following procedure, hold tie rod end stud with a 11/32 socket while loosening and removing nut with wrench.





5. Remove tie rod end stud, from steering knuckle, using Remover, Special Tool MB-991113.
6. Remove outer tie rod end from inner tie rod by un-threading it from the inner tie rod.

INSTALLATION - OUTER TIE ROD
1. Install outer tie rod onto inner tie rod. Make sure jam nut is on inner tie rod before installing outer tie rod. Do not tighten jam nut at this time.
2. Install tie rod end seal boot heat shield on the tie rod end.





3. Install tie rod end into the steering knuckle. Start tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod end stationary, tighten tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut. Then using a crowfoot and socket, torque tie rod end attaching nut to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.).

CAUTION: During this procedure do not allow the steering gear boot to become twisted.

4. Tighten tie rod jam nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.) torque.
5. Install tire and wheel assembly.
6. Lower vehicle.
7. Adjust the front wheel alignment toe setting on the vehicle.