Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Inner Tie Rod

Removal

1. Remove outer tie rod.
2. Remove tie rod jam nut from inner tie rod.






Note: If equipped with All-Wheel-Drive, it may be necessary to remove heat shield (3) above inner tie rod bellows (2) to allow better access to bellows clamp.






3. Remove clamp (1) securing bellows (3) to inner tie rod.
4. Remove clamp (2) securing bellows (3) to steering gear body.
5. Remove bellows (3).






6. Install appropriate inner tie rod removal tool on inner tie rod hex (1).

Caution: If inner tie rod cannot be removed using specified tools, do not use a hammer or heat to loosen. damage to steering gear will occur. Replace entire steering gear.

7. Unthread and remove inner tie rod (2).






8. Remove travel restrictor (2) from rack gear (3).

Installation






Note: The travel restrictor (2) has a beveled lip (1) on more end of its inside diameter to keep the restrictor from being install too far onto the rack gear. Install the restrictor with the beveled lip side outward (away from gear) to avoid misinstallation and restrictor damage.

1. Install travel restrictor (2), beveled lip (1) side outward, on end of rack gear (3). Once installed, restrictor will be flush with end of rack gear.
2. Apply Mopar Lock & Seal Adhesive or equivalent medium thread locker adhesive to inboard end threads of inner tie rod.






3. Install inner tie rod (2) onto gear using appropriate inner tie rod installer tool or crows foot wrench on hex (1). Tighten inner tie rod to 115 Nm ( 85 ft lbs).
4. Loosely place new clamp over large end of bellows.
5. Slide new bellows with clamp over end of inner tie rod and onto gear body.






6. Push small end of bellows (2) past groove(1) machined into inner tie rod.
7. Apply a small amount of Mopar Lubricate or equivalent uniformly to groove (1) in inner tie rod shaft. This allows for toe adjustment without twisting bellows.
8. Pull small end of bellows outward until ridge inside bellows enages groove.






9. Install new clamp (1) over small end of bellows (3).






10. Using crimping pliers (2), crimp bellows (1) at gear body.






11. If equipped with All-Wheel-Drive and heat shield was removed, install heat shield (3) above inner tie rod bellows (2). Tighten screws to 10 Nm ( 89 in lbs ).
12. Thread tie rod jam nut onto inner tie rod far enough to install outer tie rod.
13. Install outer tie rod.