Tie Rod End: Testing and Inspection

Fig. 26 Tie rod articulation torque check. Escort, EXP, LN7, Lynx, Tempo & Topaz:

This check can be done in the car or on the bench.
1. Remove tie rod end from steering knuckle.
2. Hook end of a spring scale to tie rod end and measure force necessary to move the tie rod. Fig. 26.
3. If the force required to move the tie rod is not between 1 and 6 lbs. on 1982 models, or between 1 and 9 lbs. on 1983---87 models and 1984---87 Tempo and Topaz models, replace tie rod.