Tie Rod: Testing and Inspection
Checking Tie Rod End Ball Joint Starting Torque1. Disconnect tie rod and knuckle.
2. Shake the ball joint stud several times.
3. Mount two nuts on the ball joint, and then measure the ball joint starting torque.
Standard value 0.5 - 2.5 Nm (5 - 25 kg cm, 0.36 - 1.78 ft. lbs.)
4. If the starting torque exceeds the upper limit of standard value, replace the tie rod end.
5. Even if the starting torque is below the lower limit of the standard value, the ball joint may be reused unless it has drag and excessive play.