Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Inner Tie Rod














Removal

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 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.

CAUTION: 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.

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. Incorrect orientation may lead to improper ventilation and steering gear failure.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Loosen the tie-rod jam nut.

3. NOTE: The hex holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the nut.

Remove the outer tie-rod end nut and disconnect the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.

4. NOTE: Count and record the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod end for reference during installation.

Remove the outer tie-rod end.
5. Remove the tie-rod jam nut.
6. Remove the outer bellows boot clamp.
7. Remove and discard the inner bellows boot clamp.
8. Remove the tie-rod bellows boot.

9. CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a suitable tool on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal and installation of the inner tie rod.

Using the special tool, remove the inner tie rod.





Installation

1. CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any foreign material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.

Using the special tool, install the inner tie rod.
^ Tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).

2. NOTE: Apply steering gear grease to the steering gear bellows grooves in the inner tie rod.

NOTE: Make sure the steering gear bellows is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead and the grooves in the inner tie rod.

NOTE: Make sure the steering gear bellows is not twisted and the breather tube (if equipped) is securely inserted into the breather nipple of the steering gear bellows.

Position the inner tie-rod bellows clamp and install the bellows.

3. CAUTION: 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 the special tool, install the inner bellows boot clamp.
^ Install the outer bellows boot clamp.





4. Thread the tie-rod jam nut onto the inner tie rod.

5. NOTE: Install the outer tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal.

Install the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod.

6. NOTE: The hex holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while installing the nut.

Position the outer tie-rod end and install the nut.
^ Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
7. Tighten the tie-rod jam nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
8. Check and if necessary, adjust the front toe.