Tie Rod: Service and Repair
Tie Rod - Inner
Material(s)
Exploded View
Removal
NOTICE: When servicing inner tie rods, a new bellows boot and clamps must be installed. The boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight, the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear, causing failure of the steering gear components. Zip ties must not be used as they do not provide an airtight seal.
NOTICE: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water contamination. Do not allow water to become trapped in the grease or degradation and failure of the joint may occur.
NOTICE:
NOTE: If the RH inner tie rod is being serviced, the LH (Left Hand) outer tie-rod end and bellows boot must also be removed to access and hold the steering gear rack when loosening and tightening the inner tie rod.
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. REFER to Lifting Points .
2. Loosen the tie-rod jam nut(s).
3. NOTE: Count and record the number of turns required to remove the outer tie-rod end for reference during installation.
Remove the outer tie-rod end nut(s) and disconnect the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle(s).
4. Remove the tie-rod jam nut(s).
5. Remove and discard the inner and outer bellows boot clamps.
6. Remove and discard the bellows boot(s).
7. NOTICE: The steering gear rack must be held while loosening or tightening the inner tie rod or damage to the steering gear may occur. Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat/teeth of the rack to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal of the inner tie rod.
NOTE: An assistant will be needed to hold the steering gear rack on the LH (Left Hand) side when servicing the RH (Right Hand) inner tie rod.
NOTE: Crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool shown.
While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool (such as Snap On(R) Stock# YA3000B) or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to remove the inner tie rod.
Installation
1. NOTICE: The steering gear rack must be held while loosening or tightening the inner tie rod or damage to the steering gear may occur. Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat/teeth of the rack to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal of the inner tie rod.
NOTE: An assistant will be needed to hold the steering gear rack on the LH (Left Hand) side when servicing the RH (Right Hand) inner tie rod.
NOTE: Crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool shown.
While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool (such as Snap On(R) Stock# YA3000B) or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to install the inner tie rod.
- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
2. Apply the specified grease to the steering gear-to-bellows boot mating surfaces and bellows boot grooves in the inner tie-rod casting.
3. NOTE: Make sure the steering gear bellows is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead and the grooves in the inner tie-rod casting.
Position the new inner bellows boot clamp(s) on the new bellows boot(s) and install the bellows boot(s).
4. NOTICE: Make sure that the end of the steering gear bellows boot is positioned between the 2 grooves on the inner tie rod or an internal leak may occur.
Using a suitable constant velocity joint boot clamp installer, crimp/tighten the inner bellows boot clamp(s).
- Install the outer bellows boot clamp(s).
5. Thread the tie-rod jam nut(s) onto the inner tie rod(s).
6. NOTE: Install the outer tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal.
Thread the outer tie rod(s) onto the inner tie rod(s).
7. NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while installing the nut.
Connect the outer tie-rod end(s) to the wheel knuckle(s) and install the nut(s).
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
8. Tighten the tie-rod jam nut(s).
- Tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
9. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. REFER to Toe Adjustment - Front .