Center Link: Service and Repair

Removal

Note: Replace the steering sector shaft arm drag link or tie rod end if the following conditions are present:

- Ball stud is excessively loose in the socket of the tie rod end.
- Steering sector shaft arm drag link is bent.
- Taper for the tie rod end is loose.
Replace the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal if any nicks, cuts or tears are present. Do not attempt to straighten a steering sector shaft arm drag link or tie rod end.





1. Remove the steering drag link castellated nuts.
1. Remove the cotter pins and discard.
2. Remove the castellated nuts.
2. Remove the outer tie rod end from the RH steering knuckle.
3. Remove the LH inner tie rod end from the steering sector shaft arm drag link.





4. Remove the steering sector shaft arm drag link castellated nut.
1. Remove and discard the cotter pin.
2. Remove the nut.





5. Using the Pitman Arm Puller, separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.
6. Remove the tie rod adjusting sleeve from the drag link. Count the number of turns required to remove the tie rod adjusting sleeve.

Installation
1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order. Install new cotter pins.





2. Note: The two bolts and nuts on the tie rod adjusting sleeve clamp for the tie rod end must be positioned within a limit of 45 degrees (+). The threaded ends of the bolts on the left tie rod end point toward the front of the vehicle. The threaded ends on the right tie rod end face rearward.

Tighten the castellated nuts and the tie rod adjusting sleeve bolts.
3. Check toe-in.
4. Check clear vision.