Tie Rod End: Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

Tie rod free-play can be measured using the following hand methods:

NOTE: When checking free-play, DO NOT rotate the tie rod. Just because a tie rod rotates easily, it is not necessarily faulty.

NOTE: Always check and repair (if necessary) outer tie rod free-play before checking inner tie rod free-play. False results can otherwise be obtained.

OUTER TIE ROD





Grasp the outer tie rod near the ball stud and attempt to move the tie rod straight up and down. If any free-play is felt, replace the outer tie rod Tie Rod End - Removal. If no free-play is felt at the outer tie rod, attempt to move the inner tie rod in the same manner. Refer to the following procedure.

INNER TIE ROD





Grasp the inner tie rod near the steering gear bellows and attempt to move the tie rod straight up and down. If any free-play is felt, replace the steering gear .