Tie Rod: Service and Repair

NOTE: There are two tie rod assemblies. Each assembly is of a 5-piece construction, consisting of a sleeve, two clamps, and two tie rod ends. The ends are threaded into the sleeve and secured with the clamps. Right and left hand threads are used for toe-in adjustments and steering gear centering.

Before any service is undertaken, note the position of the tie rod adjuster tube and the direction from which the bolts are installed. The tie rod adjuster tube components may be rusted. If the torque required to remove the nut from the bolt exceeds 9 Nm (62 inch lbs.) discard the nuts and rotate the clamps until they move freely. Install all parts, with the correct part number, in the proper position.

All procedures for alignment, adjustment, and assembly of tie rods apply to left and right sides.

Important: Use the proper tool to separate all tie rods and ball joints.

Remove or Disconnect

^ Tools Required:
- J 6627-A Wheel Stud and Tie Rod Remover.

Raise the vehicle and support it with safety stands.





1. Cotter pins and nuts.
2. Outer tie-rod ball studs from the steering knuckle using J 6627-A.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to disengage the pint by driving a wedge-type tool between the pint and knuckle. Seal damage could result.








3. Inner tie rod ball studs from the relay rod using J 6627-A.
4. Tie rod ends from the adjuster tube.
- Loosen the clamp bolts and unscrew the assemblies.

Inspect
- Tie rod end for damage.
- Tie rod end seals for excessive wear.
- Threads on the tie rod and tie rod end for damage.
- Ball stud threads for damage.
- Adjuster tube for bending or damaged threads.

Clean
- Threads on the ball stud and in the ball stud nut.
- The tapered surfaces.

Install or Connect

^ Tool Required:
- J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)
- J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm)

If the tie rod ends were removed, lubricate the tie rod threads with chassis lubricant.
1. Tie rod ends to the adjuster tube. The number of threads on both the inner and outer tie rod ends must be equal within three threads.
2. Inner tie rod ball stud to the relay rod. Make sure the seal is on the stud. Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) to seat the tapers. Remove the tool.
3. Nut to the inner tie rod ball stud.
- Tighten nut to 53 Nm (39 ft. lbs.).
4. Outer tie rod ball studs to the steering knuckle.
5. Nut.
- Tighten nut to 53 Nm (39 ft. lbs.).

Important
- Advance the nut to align the nut slot with the cotter pin hole.
- Never back the nut off to align the cotter pin hole.

6. New cotter pin. Spread the cotter pin ends.
- Lower the vehicle.

Adjust
- Toe-in.








7. Adjuster tube clamp bolts. Before tightening the clamp bolts, make sure the following conditions have been met. The clamps (2) must be positioned between the locating dimples (1) at either end of the adjuster tube. The clamps must be positioned within the angular travel shown.





The relationship of the clamp slot (2) with the slot in the adjuster tube (1) must be as shown. Both inner and outer tie rod ends must rotate for their full travel. The position of each tie rod end must be maintained as the clamps are tightened to ensure free movement of each joint. When clamps are tightened to specifications, the ends may touch.

- Tighten tube clamp bolts to 21 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).