Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Tie Rod - Inner




Tie Rod - Inner

















Removal

1. NOTICE: When servicing inner tie rods, a new bellows boot and clamps must be installed. 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.

NOTICE: 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.

NOTE: The ball stud housing of an OEM inner tie rod is a rounded design and has no flat surfaces to accommodate the use of a wrench. The ball stud housing of a replacement inner tie rod is designed with flat surfaces.

NOTE: If the RH inner tie rod is being serviced, the LH outer tie-rod end and bellows boot must also be removed to access and hold the steering gear rack when loosening and tightening the inner tie rod.

Remove the outer tie rod(s). For additional information, refer to Tie Rod - Outer Tie Rod - Outer.

2. Remove the tie-rod jam nut(s) from the inner tie rod.

3. Remove and discard the inner and outer bellows boot clamps.

4. Remove and discard the bellows boot(s).

5. NOTICE: The steering gear rack must be held while loosening or tightening the inner tie rod or damage to the steering gear may occur. Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat/teeth of the rack to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal of the inner tie rod.

NOTE: An assistant will be needed to hold the steering gear rack on the LH side when servicing the RH inner tie rod.

NOTE: Set screw style inner tie-rod tool shown.

While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable set screw style inner tie-rod tool to remove the inner tie rod.





Installation

1. NOTICE: The steering gear rack must be held while loosening or tightening the inner tie rod or damage to the steering gear may occur. Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat/teeth of the rack to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal of the inner tie rod.

NOTE: An assistant will be needed to hold the steering gear rack on the LH side when servicing the RH inner tie-rod.

NOTE: Crowfoot style inner tie-rod tool shown.

While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot style inner tie-rod tool, or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to install the inner tie rod.

- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).





2. Apply the specified grease to the steering gear-to-bellows boot mating surfaces and bellows boot grooves in the inner tie-rod casting.

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

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

Position the new inner bellows boot clamp(s) on the new bellows boot(s) and install the bellows boot(s).

4. NOTICE: 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 Boot Clamp Pliers, tighten the inner bellows boot clamp(s).





5. Install the new outer bellows boot clamp(s).

6. Thread the tie-rod jam nut(s) onto the inner tie rod(s).

7. Install the outer tie-rod end(s). For additional information, refer to Tie Rod - Outer Tie Rod - Outer.

8. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to Suspension System - General Information Toe Adjustment - Front.