Tie Rod: Service and Repair

REPLACEMENT
Refer to the illustrations when servicing, noting the following:
1. Remove pitman arm with Tool.





2. Remove tie rod from knuckle arm with Tool.
3. Reverse procedure to install.

DISASSEMBLY

Idler Arm Assembly
^ Apply coat of multi-purpose grease to bushing.
^ Press bushing into idler body, and insert shaft of idler bracket carefully until bushing protrudes.

Cross Rod And Tie-Rod
1. When tie rod ball joints and tie rod bar are separated, adjust tie rod length correctly.

NOTE: Adjustment should be done between ball stud centers.





2. Lock tie rod clamp nut so that ball joint on outer ball stud is as follows with respect to that on inner ball stud. Standard length "L" is 344 mm (13.54 inch).

CAUTION: Make sure that tie rod bars are screwed into tie rod tube more than 35 mm (1.38 inch).








INSPECTION

Ball Joint And Swivel Joint
1. Check joints for play. If ball or swivel stud is worn and play in axial direction is excessive or joint is hard to swing, replace as a complete unit.
Swinging force (Measure point: Cotter pin hole) "A":
Ball joint 10.8 - 107.9 N (2.4 - 24.3 lbs.)
Rotating torque "B":
Ball joint 0.5 - 4.9 Nm (4.3 - 43.4 inch lbs.)
Swivel joint 0.5 - 4.9 Nm (4.3 - 43.4 inch lbs.)
Axial end play "C":
Ball joint 0.1 - 0.8 mm (0.004 - 0.031 inch)
Swivel joint 0.1 - 1.0 mm (0.004 - 0.039 inch)
2. Check condition of dust cover. If it is cracked excessively replace dust cover. When replacing dust cover, be careful not to damage it.
3. Lubricate joint with multi-purpose grease, if necessary.





4. When installing boot band with commercial service tool, be careful not to overexpand it.

CAUTION: Be careful not to apply grease or oil to taper of joint.

Idler Arm Assembly
^ Check rubber bushing of idler arm for breakage, wear or play, and if necessary replace.
^ Lubricate idler arm assembly with multi-purpose grease, if necessary.

Cross Rod And Tie-Rod
^ Check tie rod and cross rod for breakage, bends or cracks, and replace with a new one if necessary.

Steering Damper
^ Check for oil leaking from damper, and replace if necessary.

Fixing Location
^ Check fixing location (nuts and cotter pins) for looseness, play or breakage. . When looseness or play is found, check for wear on tapered portion of joints, gear arm of idler arm.
^ When reassembling each joint, use new cotter pins.