Tie Rod: Service and Repair
REMOVALRemove the rack and pinion, and tie rods from the vehicle as an assembly.
DISASSEMBLY
1. Mount the rack and pinion assembly in a vise.
CAUTION: When mounting the rack In the vise, wrap a cloth around the rack and be careful not to damage it when tightening the vise.
2. Cut the bellows mounting band and remove the bellows.
3. Unstake the tie rods with a chisel.
CAUTION: If the rack Is to be removed, remove the left side tie rod end joint from the knuckle.
4. After moving the rack fully to the right, mount the rack in a soft jawed vise, and remove the left tie rod.
5. Remove the right tie rod using the same procedures described in steps 3 and 4.
INSPECTION
1. Check for the damaged or distorted tie rods and ends.
2. Check for the damaged or distorted bellows and dust cover.
3. Check for the tie rod oscillating torque.
Standard value
Tie rod oscillating: 2 - 5 Nm (20 - 50 kg-cm, 17 - 43 inch lbs.)
4. Tie rod ball joint operation and axial play.
ASSEMBLY
1. After installing the tie rods to the rack to the specified torque, secure by staking the rack keyway.
Tightening torque
Tie rod to rack: 80 - 100 Nm (800 - 1,000 kg-cm, 59 - 74 inch lbs.)
2. After installing the bellows on the gear housing, secure with a mounting band.
CAUTION: The bellows mounting band should be installed after adjustment of toe-in.
3. Measure the rack stroke.
NOTE: The full stroke of the rack determines the maximum steering angle.
Rack full stroke: 134 mm (5.28 inch)
4. Adjust the length of the tie rods and tighten the lock nut.
Standard value
Tie rod length: 185.2 mm (7.3 ± 0.04 inch)
Tightening torque
Tie rod lock nut: 50 - 55 Nm (500 - 550 kg-cm, 37 - 41 ft. lbs.)
INSTALLATION
Install the rack and pinion and tie rods as an assembly to the vehicle.