Tie Rod End: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

Outer Tie Rod End Jam Nut:

1. Loosen the inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam nut. Thread the jam nut far enough up the inner tie rod to pull the collar away from the outer tie rod end. Pull the collar off the end of the outer tie rod.





2. Remove the nut attaching the 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.

Tie Rod End Removal From Steering Knuckle:

3. Remove the tie rod end stud from steering knuckle arm, using Remover, Special Tool MB-991113, or equivalent.
4. Remove the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by unthreading it from the inner tie rod.

INSTALLATION
1. Install the jam nut on inner tie rod end.

NOTE: Be sure the collar is installed on the inner tie rod with the flat end of the collar against jam nut and the open end of the collar facing the outer tie rod end.

2. Install the collar on the inner tie rod.
3. Install outer tie rod onto inner tie rod.
4. Position the collar around the end of the outer tie rod.
5. Thread the jam nut down the inner tie far enough to hold the collar in place on the outer tie rod. Do not tighten jam nut.





6. Install the 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 11/32 socket, torque the 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.

7. Adjust the front Toe setting on the vehicle. Refer to Alignment.

CAUTION: Prior to tightening the jam nut to the specified torque, check the orientation of the collar to be sure it is in the proper position to fit up against the outer tie rod end.

8. Torque the tie rod jam nut to a torque of 55 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
9. Adjust the steering gear to inner tie rod boots at inner tie rod if they became twisted during Toe adjustment.