Tie Rod End

Removal & Installation

Inner Tie Rod End

To Remove:

CAUTION
The design of the boots and clamps is intended to provide an airtight seal to protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear which will cause premature damage.

CAUTION
Zip ties must not be used because they do not produce an airtight seal.

CAUTION
The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water and contamination trapped in the grease will shorten the life of the joint.

CAUTION
If equipped, the position of the vent tube must be noted so that during installation the boots and vent tubes can be installed in the proper location.

1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
2. Loosen the tie-rod end jam nuts.
3. On vehicles with coil spring suspension ONLY: Remove and discard the cotter pins and nuts.

   CAUTION
   Do not damage the tie-rod end boot when installing the tie-rod end separator (211-105).

4. On vehicles with coil spring suspension ONLY: Use the tie-rod end separator (211-105) to disconnect the tie-rod ends.
5. On vehicles with torsion bar suspension ONLY: Remove the steering gear.

   NOTE: Make note of the number of times you turn the tie-rod ends for reference during installation.

6. Remove the tie-rod ends and the tie-rod end jam nut.

   NOTE: It will be necessary to pull back the left-hand inner tie-rod boot to hold the steering gear if you are repairing the right-hand side.

7. Remove the inner and outer front suspension steering ball stud boot seal clamps then remove the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal.

   CAUTION
   Position the steering gear in the center position. Use a 0.82 in (21 mm) crowfoot on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to avoid damage during removal and installation of the front wheel spindle tie-rod.

   NOTE: You may need an assistant to help to remove the right-hand front wheel spindle tie-rod.

8. Use the inner tie-rod socket tool (211-D029) to remove the front wheel spindle tie-rod.

   CAUTION
   Remove all dirt and abrasive material because it is extremely harmful to the steering gear.

9. Carefully clean and examine all of the parts being reused. Replace the parts as needed.

To Install:

1. Use steering gear grease to lubricate the front wheel spindle tie-rod inner groove where the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal is clamped.

   NOTE: Make sure the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal is placed correctly over the steering gear housing bead at the large inside diameter and is in the front wheel spindle tie-rod groove at the small inside diameter.

   NOTE: Make sure that the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal is not twisted and that the breather tube is securely inserted into the breather nipple at both of the front suspension steering ball stud boot seals.

2. Carefully clean and examine all of the parts being reused. Replace the parts as needed.

   CAUTION
   Remove all dirt and abrasive material because it is extremely harmful to the steering gear.

3. Install the front wheel spindle tie-rod. Torque to 74 ft-lb (100 Nm).
4. Install the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal then install the inner and outer front suspension steering ball stud boot seal clamps.
5. Install the tie-rod ends and the tie-rod end jam nut.
6. On vehicles with torsion bar suspension ONLY: Install the steering gear.
7. On vehicles with coil spring suspension ONLY: Connect the tie-rod ends.
8. On vehicles with coil spring suspension ONLY: Install new cotter pins and nuts. Torque to 52 ft-lb (70 Nm).
9. Tighten the tie-rod end jam nuts. Torque to 59 ft-lb (80 Nm).
10. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
11. Check the wheel alignment and if necessary, make adjustments.

Outer Tie Rod End

To Remove:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Loosen the jam nut.
4. Remove the hex nut from the outer tie rod stud.
5. Remove the tie rod from the steering knuckle arm using the tie rod end remover tool (211-001) or equivalent.
6. Holding the inner tie rod stationary and unscrew the tie rod end from the shaft, count the number of turns needed to remove the outer tie rod so the replacement can be installed using the same number of turns.

To Install:

1. Install the outer tie rod end on the tie rod the same amount of turns that it took to remove the old one.
2. Install the outer tie rod-to-knuckle and install the nut. Torque to 52 ft-lb (70 Nm).
3. Torque the jam nut to 59 ft. lbs. (80 Nm).
4. Connect the negative battery cable.
5. Check and adjust the toe angle if needed.