Note: New ball joint nuts are required for installation.
Removing
1. Apply the parking brake and place wedges under the rear wheels. Raise the front of the car with a jack and place it on stands (see "Lifting the vehicle and placing it on stands").
2. Loosen and remove the nuts securing the tie rod ball joints to the steering knuckle and intermediate arm/bipod (whatever is required). Disengage the hinges, using a puller if necessary to remove the conical pins. Remove the tie rod from under the vehicle.
3. Check that the hinges move freely without binding and that the hinge boots are not damaged or cracked or torn. If the joints are worn or damaged, they should be replaced as described in paragraph 29. If only the boots are damaged, replace them and apply fresh grease.
Installation
4. Check that the hinge pins are clean and dry. If a new rod assembly is being installed, check that the rod length is correct before installation; the distance between the centers of the ball joints must be 337±12 mm.
5. Maneuvering, install the lever, making sure that it is correctly positioned (the inner hinge is attached with a clamp, and the outer hinge with a compression ring and a lock nut). Connect the hinge pins to the steering knuckle and bipod.
6. Install new mounting nuts on the hinges and tighten them to the required torque.
7. Lower the vehicle to the ground and check the front wheel alignment as described in paragraph 31.