Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Tie Rod Replacement

- Tools Required
- J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
- J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
- J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm).

Removal Procedure

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





1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the cotter pin and the castellated nut from the outer tie rod.





Notice: Do not attempt to disconnect a steering linkage joint by driving a wedge between the joint and the attached part. Seal damage may result which will cause premature failure of the joint.

3. Use the J24319-B in order to remove the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.





4. Remove the prevailing torque nut from the inner tie rod.
Discard the prevailing torque nut.
5. Use the J 6627-A in order to remove the inner tie rod from the relay rod.





6. Loosen the adjuster tube clamp bolts (3).
7. Unscrew the tie rod ends (1, 5).
8. Remove the tie rod ends (1, 5) from the adjuster tube (4).
9. Inspect the following components for damage:
- The threads on the tie rod (1, 5)
- The ball stud threads
- The adjuster tube (4) for bending or damaged threads
- The tie rod end seals for excessive wear
10. Clean the threads on the ball stud and in the ball stud nut.
11. Clean the tapered surfaces.

Installation Procedure





Lubricate the tie rod threads with chassis lubricant if the tie rod ends were removed from the adjuster tube.

1. Loosen the clamps (2) on the adjuster tube (4).
2. Install the tie rod ends to the adjuster tube (4). The number of threads on the inner tie rod (5) and the outer tie rod (1) ends must be equal within 3 threads.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Use the J29193 in order to install the inner tie rod to the relay rod.
Ensure that the seal is on the stud.
- Tighten the J 29193 to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) in order to seat the tapers.
4. Remove the J29193.
5. Install the new prevailing torque nut to the inner tie rod.
- Tighten the prevailing torque nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).





6. Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

Important: Tighten the castellated nut up to an additional 1/6 amount in order to insert the cotter pin through the outer tie rod. Do not back the nut off in order to align the cotter pin hole.

7. Install the castellated nut.
- Tighten the castellated nut to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).




8. Install the new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends flat against the nut flats.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Adjust the toe-in.