Tie Rod: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the front wheels.
3. Remove the cotter pin and the tie rod end nut.

NOTE: If the tie rod end does not separate easily, give the front wheel knuckle a sharp blow with a brass hammer to shock the taper.

Tie Rod End Remover Tool:

4. Use Tie Rod End Remover TOOL-3290-D or equivalent to separate the tie rod end from the front wheel knuckle.





5. Paint or make alignment marks on the tie rod end, tie rod end jam nut, and front wheel spindle tie rod.
6. Loosen the tie rod end jam nut.
7. Remove the tie rod end.
8. Remove the tie rod end jam nut.
9. Use a pair of pliers to remove the outer front suspension steering ball stud dust seal clamp.
10. Cut the inner front suspension steering ball stud dust seal wire with diagonal cutters.
11. Slide the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal off the front wheel spindle tie rod.





12. Install an appropriate inner tie rod removal/installation tool and remove the front wheel spindle tie rod.

INSTALLATION
1. Install the front wheel spindle tie rod. Start the threads by hand to avoid cross-threading.
2. Install an appropriate inner tie rod removal/installation tool and tighten the front wheel spindle tie rod.
3. Apply grease to the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal small end inside surface.
4. Slide the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal over the front wheel spindle tie rod, and onto the steering gear.

NOTE: The inner front suspension steering ball stud dust seal wire cannot be reused, it must be replaced.





5. Wrap a new inner front suspension steering ball stud dust seal wire around the large end of the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal and then twist it four or five times. Bend the twisted part toward the steering gear mounting bracket.
6. Install the outer front suspension steering ball stud dust seal clamp.
7. Install the tie rod end jam nut.
8. Thread the tie rod end onto the front wheel spindle tie rod.
9. Align the alignment marks on the tie rod end, tie rod end jam nut, and front wheel spindle tie rod.
10. Tighten the tie rod end jam nut to 69-98 Nm (51-72 ft. lbs.).
11. Install the tie rod end in the front wheel knuckle.

NOTE: If necessary, tighten (never loosen) the tie rod end nut until the castellations line up with the pin bore.

12. Tighten the tie rod end nut to 31-44 Nm (23-33 ft. lbs.).
13. Install a new cotter pin.
14. Install the front wheels. Tighten the lug nuts to 88-118 Nm (65-87 ft. lbs.).
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Check the vehicle alignment.