Tie Rod: Testing and Inspection

TIE-ROD END BALL JOINT STARTING TORQUE INSPECTION
1. Disconnect the tie-rod end with the knuckle using a SST (09568-34000).




2. Shake the tie-rod end ball joint stud several times.
3. Mount two nuts on the ball joint and then measure the tie-rod end ball joint starting torque using a torque wrench.

Starting torque:
0.49 - 2.45Nm (5 - 25kgf.cm, 0.36 - 1.78 lb-ft)





4. If the starting torque exceeds the upper limit of standard value, replace the tie-rod end.
5. If starting torque is below the lower limit of standard value, check the play of the ball joint and replace if necessary.

AIR BLEEDING
1. Jack up the front wheels.
2. Remove the fuel pump fuse from the fuse box.
3. Start the engine and wait for the engine to stall.
4. Fill the reservoir with the power steering fluid up to the upper position of the filter.

CAUTION:
While performing following steps, replenish the fluid so that the level never falls below the lower position of the filter.

5. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and then to the right 5 - 6 times while cranking (for 15 - 20 seconds).
6. Reinstall the fuel pump fuse and then start the engine.
7. With the engine idle, turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right until there is no air bubbles in the reservoir.

CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel turned all the way to either side for more 10 seconds.

8. Confirm that the fluid is not milky, and the level is up to the MAX position specified on the level gauge.
9. Confirm that there is little change in the surface of the fluid when the steering wheel is turned left and right.

CAUTION:
If the surface of the fluid changes considerably, air bleeding should be done again.
If the fluid level rises suddenly when the engine is stopped, it indicates that there is still air in the system.
If there is air in the system, a jingling noise may be heard from the pump and the control valve may also produce unusual noises, Air in the system will shorten the life of the pump and other parts.