Center Link: Service and Repair

NOTE: Numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate a component or tool in the associated illustration.

REMOVAL
1. Detach steering shock absorber (46) from drag link
2. Unscrew nuts of drag link (11)
- Steady ball pivot with allen wrench if necessary.
3. Unscrew nuts on steering knuckle
- Steady ball pivot with allen wrench if necessary.





4. Install thrust piece (051) tool No. 129 589 10 63 00, or equivalent, on the respective joint
5. Press off track rod (10) on steering knuckle using puller (050) tool No. 202 589 01 33 00, or equivalent.





6. Press off drag link (11) on pitman arm and steering idler arm using puller (053) tool No. 202 589 02 33 00, or equivalent.

INSTALLATION
Install in reverse order, noting the following:
- lean grease off tapers and press ball joints securely into the steering arm.
- Replace self-locking nuts and bolts
- Check joints for play and damaged rubber boots
- Check and adjust toe-in at front axle

NOTE:
^ The right-hand drag link joint is a pivot joint with a pivoting range of a max. of 2°.
^ Tilting motions of the drag link are consequently prevented.

- Tighten the following components as noted:
- Self-locking nut of track rod on steering: 50 Nm
- Steering shock to drag link: 40 Nm
- Self-locking nuts of drag link: 50 Nm