Tie Rod: Service and Repair
Inner Tie RodSpecial Tool(s):
Material:
Removal and Installation
CAUTION: 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, contamination into the gear causing premature damage.
CAUTION: Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.
CAUTION: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water, contamination trapped in the grease will degrade the life of the joint.
CAUTION: If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the boots and vent tubes can be installed in the correct location.
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Loosen the tie-rod end jam nut.
^ To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).
3. Remove and discard the outer tie-rod end cotter pin and nut.
^ To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).
4. CAUTION: Do not damage the outer tie-rod end boot when installing the special tool.
Using the special tool, disconnect the tie-rod end.
5. NOTE: Note the number of times the outer tie-rod end turns for assembly reference.
Remove the outer tie-rod end.
6. Remove the tie-rod end jam nut.
7. NOTE: If repairing the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner tie-rod boot to hold the steering gear.
Remove the inner and outer bellows boot clamps.
8. Remove the inner tie-rod bellows boot.
9. CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an adjustable wrench on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal and installation of the inner tie rod.
NOTE: An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH inner tie rod.
Using the special tool, remove the inner tie rod.
^ To install, tighten to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
10. CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.
Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Install new parts as necessary.
11. Lubricate the inner tie-rod groove with steering gear grease where the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal is clamped.
^ Check that the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead at the large inside diameter (ID) and is in the inner tie-rod groove at the small ID.
^ Check that the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal is not twisted and the breather tube is securely inserted into the breather nipple at both front suspension steering ball stud boot seals.
12. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe.