Tie Rod Boot: Service and Repair

STEERING GEAR BOOT

- TOOLS REQUIRED
- J44015 Steering Linkage Installer
- SA91100C Tie Rod Separator
- SA9164C Clamp Pliers

REMOVAL

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON THE HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY WHEN A VEHICLE IS ON A HOIST, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE END FROM WHICH COMPONENTS ARE BEING REMOVED.

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly.





3. Loosen outer tie rod-to-inner tie rod jam nut.
4. Remove tie rod end-to-knuckle nut and discard.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to separate joint using a wedge-type tool because seal may be damaged.





5. Using Tie Rod Separator SA91100C (or equivalent), separate tie rod end from steering knuckle.
6. Unthread outer tie rod from inner tie rod and remove from vehicle.
7. Remove inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam nut.





8. Remove boot clamp on tie rod end.
9. Remove boot clamp on steering gear housing end with cutters and discard.
10. Remove steering gear boot from steering gear.

INSTALLATION
1. Install new boot clamp onto steering gear boot at steering gear housing end.





2. Apply grease in service kit to locations shown in illustration prior to boot installation. This grease provides a water barrier and must be used to protect internal gear components from corrosion.
3. Install boot onto inner tie rod assembly. Slide boot along rod assembly until large end of boot is seated i steering gear housing groove.





4. Using Clamp Pliers SA9164C, crimp clamp on housing end of boot.
5. Install clamp on inner tie rod end of boot.





6. Install inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam nut.





7. Thread outer tie rod onto inner tie rod.

IMPORTANT: The tie rod ends must be thoroughly cleaned before installing and tightening.





8. Install tie rod end into steering knuckle.
9. Using Steering Linkage Installer J44015 (or equivalent) seat the tie rod end into the knuckle and tighten.
Torque: Tie Rod End Linkage Installer: 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.)

NOTICE: Use a new nut. Torque retention of old nut may not be sufficient.

10. Remove linkage installer and install new tie rod end nut and tighten.
Torque: Tie Rod End-to-Steering Knuckle Nut: 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.)





11. Hand tighten inner tie rod-to-outer tie rod jam nut.

IMPORTANT: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors. Failure to do so can cause wheel bolts to loosen in service.

12. Install wheel and tire assemblies.
13. Install wheel bolts and tighten in a star pattern.
13.1. Hand tighten all five wheel bolts.
13.2. Use a torque wrench to tighten wheel bolts using a star pattern.
Torque: Wheel Bolts (Initial Torque): 63 Nm (46 ft. lbs.)
13.3. Use a torque wrench to final tighten wheel bolts using a star pattern.
Torque: Wheel Bolts (Final Torque): 125 Nm (92 ft. lbs.)
14. Set toe.
15. Lower vehicle from hoist.