Tie Rod End: Service and Repair
Replacing tie rod joint
Information
Tie rod joint
Tie rod joints -58- are replaced with the steering gear removed -90-. To loosen and tighten the tie rod joint -58-, the steering gear -90- must still be secured to the front-axle cross member (to support the loosening torque). Alternatively (to support the loosening and tightening torque), the steering gear -90- can also be secured to a suitable retainer plate.
To remove and install the power-steering gear -90-, lower the front-axle cross member slightly at the front (approx. 50 to 60 mm). This is necessary in order to make room in this area.
Preliminary work
1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Remove front wheels.
3. Remove front underbody paneling.
4. Remove the steering gear.
Replacing tie rod joint
1. Before loosening the steering gear from the front-axle cross member (two fastening screws), loosen the tie rod joint (at the relevant side of the vehicle) on the steering gear.
1.1. Remove the bellows -53- on the steering gear housing (remove clamping rings -1 and 2- and move the bellows as required -53-).
Bellows
1.2. Loosen the tie rod joint at the steering rack. The steering rack must be inserted as far as possible in the steering housing (position it as required).
Ensure that the steering rack is not damaged (scored)!
2. Remove the steering gear and the complete tie rods after first removing the two steering-gear fastening screws.
3. Remove (screw off) complete tie rod(s) on the steering gear (at the steering rack).
4. Install in reverse order. Always observe the following points while doing so:
Replace steering-gear fastening screws, the fit bolt on the steering shaft and the steering-wheel fastening screw whenever they have been removed. Screw threads must be clean and free of grease.
Make sure that the steering rack is not damaged (scored).
Complete the tie rod(s) before fitting them on the steering gear.
5. Complete tie rod consisting of: new tie rod joint -58-, bellows -53- small clamping ring -1-, lock nut -4- and tie rod (outer part) -79-. Observe pre-set dimension -X-!
Pre-set dimension for tie rods
Pre-set dimension -X- = cross-sectional area/contact surface of the tie rod joint -58- on the steering rack up to the middle of the ball joint (outer part of tie rod -79-).
Use the same measurement as on the old tie rod. Pre-set dimension -X- (delivery in production) is approx. 383 mm.
6. Fit the complete tie rod(s) on the steering rack of the steering gear before installing the steering gear. Then secure the respective bellows with new clamping rings.
Tie rod on steering gear
6.1. Replace sealing ring on the steering gear housing (identical parts on left and right side).
6.2. Screw complete tie rod(s), with large clamping ring fitted, into the steering rack.
6.3. Secure the steering gear on the front-axle cross member. Tighten new fastening screws (M10) to 70 Nm (52 ftlb.).
6.4. Tighten tie rod joint(s) on steering rack to 90 Nm (67 ftlb.). The steering rack must be inserted as far as possible in the steering housing.
6.5. Position bellows -53- and fit clamping ring -1 and 2-. Tighten clamping ring -2- using suitable tensioning pliers.
Bellows
7. Install the steering gear completely now.
Subsequent work
1. After fitting the pressure lines, fill the steering hydraulics with Pentosin and bleed the steering system.
2. Fit front underbody paneling.
3. Fit front wheels.
4. Adjust toe. Calibrate steering-angle sensor if necessary.