Tie Rod: Service and Repair
Tie Rod - Inner
NOTE: LH side shown, RH similar.
Removal
NOTICE: The steering gear bellows boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight, the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and foreign material into the gear causing damage. Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.
NOTICE: The inner tie-rod ball joint grease is not compatible with water. Water trapped in the grease may damage the joint.
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Jacking and Lifting Service and Repair.
2. NOTICE: Disconnect the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) steering gear power supply electrical connector or damage to the steering gear internal power relay may occur resulting in steering gear replacement.
NOTICE: The ignition must be off when disconnecting Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connectors. Failure to follow this direction may lead to DTCs being set in the EPAS module that can not be cleared, and result in the need to install a new EPAS assembly.
Release the red Connector Position Assurance (CPA) feature and disconnect the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) power supply electrical connector.
3. Remove the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires Removal and Replacement.
4. Remove the front crossmember brace. For additional information, refer to Crossmember Brace-Exploded View in Uni-Body, Subframe and Mounting System Crossmember Brace - Exploded View.
5. Loosen the 2 tie-rod end jam nuts.
6. Remove and discard the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts.
7. Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
8. NOTE: Count the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod end for reference during installation.
Remove the outer tie-rod ends.
9. Remove the 2 tie-rod end jam nuts.
10. NOTE: Install new bellows boot clamps.
Remove and discard the 2 inner and 2 outer bellows boot clamps.
11. Remove the 2 steering gear bellows boots.
12. NOTE: Note the orientation of the steering stops for reference during installation.
Place a open end wrench against the outboard edge of the steering stops and tap the wrench with a hammer to separate the steering stops from the inner tie rods.
13. Using an assistant, loosen both inner tie rods at the same time.
- Remove and discard both inner tie rods and steering stops.
Installation
1. Position the new steering stops on the steering gear with the open end facing outward, apply 3-4 drops of the specified threadlock to the inner tie rod threads and install the inner tie rods to the steering gear hand tight.
2. Have an assistant hold the tie rod opposite of the one being tightened.
- Using a suitable crowfoot wrench, tighten the inner tie rod to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
- Repeat on the opposite side.
3. NOTICE: Install the steering stops using hand force only. Striking the steering stops may cause damage to the stops.
NOTE: An audible click will be heard when the steering stop seats onto the inner tie rod. Make sure that the steering stops are fully seated and cannot be separated by hand.
Install the steering stops onto the inner tie rods using hand force only.
4. Apply the specified grease to the steering gear-to-bellows boot mating surfaces and bellows boot grooves on the inner tie-rod.
5. NOTE: Make sure the steering gear bellows boot is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead and the groove in the inner tie rod.
Install the 2 steering gear bellows boots.
6. Using boot clamp pliers, install a 2 new inner bellows boot clamps.
7. NOTE: Make sure the end of the steering gear bellows is positioned between the 2 grooves on the inner tie rod or an internal leak can result.
Install a 2 new outer bellows boot clamps.
8. Thread the tie-rod end jam nuts onto the inner tie rods.
9. NOTE: Install the tie-rod end the same number of turns as recorded during the removal.
Install the outer tie-rod ends on the inner tie rods.
10. Position the outer tie-rod ends to the wheel knuckle and install the 2 new tie-rod end nuts.
- Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
11. Tighten the 2 tie-rod end jam nuts.
- Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
12. Install the front crossmember brace. For additional information, refer to Crossmember Brace-Exploded View in Uni-Body, Subframe and Mounting System Crossmember Brace - Exploded View.
13. NOTE: Make sure the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connector is fully seated and the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) feature is engaged.
Connect the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) power supply electrical connector and secure the red Connector Position Assurance (CPA) feature.
14. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to assure the steering stops are fully seated.
15. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to Suspension System - General Information Toe Adjustment - Front.