Contents: Removal ↡ Installation ↡
Caution! When installing the tie rod, it is necessary to use new ball joint mounting nuts.
Removal
1. Apply the parking brake, then raise the front of the vehicle and secure it on stands. Remove the affected front wheel.
2. Remove the nuts securing the tie rod ball joints to the steering knuckle and the idler arm or steering knuckle. Using a puller, remove the ball joints and pull the tie rod out from under the vehicle.
3. Check that the ball joints of the tie rod move freely and smoothly, and that their protective boots are not cracked or damaged. If the ball joints have play or are difficult to turn, and also have mechanical damage, they must be replaced. If the protective boots of the ball joints are damaged, replace them, also filling the ball joints with fresh lubricant.
Installation
1. Clean the tie rod ball joint pins. If a new tie rod assembly is being installed, check the rod length. The distance between the ball joint centers should be 333±2 mm.
2. Install the tie rod, keeping in mind that the inner joint is secured with a clamp and the outer joint is secured with a lock nut and a tension ring. Install the ball joint pins into the hole in the steering knuckle and intermediate arm or steering knuckle.
3. Screw new nuts onto the ball joints and tighten them to the specified torque.
4. Install the wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel mounting bolts to the specified torque. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front wheel alignment.