Tie Rod — Inner

Special Tool(s)

Installer, Constant Velocity Joint Boot Clamp 205-343 (T95P-3514-A)

NOTE: Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (HPAS) gear shown, Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) gear similar.

Removal

NOTICE: When servicing inner tie rods, a new bellows boot and clamps must be installed. The 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 contamination into the gear, causing failure of the steering gear components. Zip ties must not be used as they do not provide an airtight seal.

NOTICE: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water contamination. Do not allow water to become trapped in the grease or degradation and failure of the joint may occur.

NOTICE: If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the boots and vent tubes can be installed in the correct location. Incorrect orientation may lead to improper ventilation and steering gear failure.

NOTE: If the RH inner tie rod is being serviced, the LH outer tie-rod end and bellows boot must also be removed to access and hold the steering gear rack when loosening and tightening the inner tie rod.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .

2. Loosen the tie-rod jam nut(s).

3. NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the nut.

   Remove the outer tie-rod end nut(s) and disconnect the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle(s).

4. NOTE: Count and record the number of turns required to remove the outer tie-rod end for reference during installation.

   Remove the outer tie-rod end(s).

5. Remove the tie-rod jam nut(s).

6. Remove and discard the inner and outer bellows boot clamps.

7. Remove and discard the bellows boot(s).

8. NOTICE: The steering gear rack must be held while loosening or tightening the inner tie rod or damage to the steering gear may occur. Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat/teeth of the rack to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal of the inner tie rod.

   NOTE: An assistant will be needed to hold the steering gear rack on the LH side when servicing the RH inner tie rod.

   NOTE: Crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool shown.

   While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool (such as Snap On® Stock# YA3000B) or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to remove the inner tie rod.

Installation

1. NOTICE: The steering gear rack must be held while loosening or tightening the inner tie rod or damage to the steering gear may occur. Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat/teeth of the rack to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal of the inner tie rod.

   NOTE: An assistant will be needed to hold the steering gear rack on the LH side when servicing the RH inner tie rod.

   NOTE: Crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool shown.

   While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool (such as Snap On® Stock# YA3000B) or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to install the inner tie rod.
   • For Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (HPAS) gears, tighten to 105 Nm (77 lb-ft).
   • For Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) gears, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

2. Apply the specified grease to the steering gear-to-bellows boot mating surfaces and bellows boot grooves in the inner tie-rod casting.

3. NOTE: Make sure the steering gear bellows is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead and the grooves in the inner tie-rod casting.

   NOTE: Make sure the steering gear bellows is not twisted and the vent tube (if equipped) is securely inserted into the vent nipple of the steering gear bellows.

   Position the new inner bellows boot clamp(s) on the new bellows boot(s) and install the bellows boot(s).

4. NOTICE: Make sure that the end of the steering gear bellows boot is positioned between the 2 grooves on the inner tie rod or an internal leak may occur.

   Using the Constant Velocity Joint Boot Clamp Installer, crimp/tighten the inner bellows boot clamp(s).
   • Install the outer bellows boot clamp(s).

5. Thread the tie-rod jam nut(s) onto the inner tie rod(s).

6. NOTE: Install the outer tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal.

   Thread the outer tie rod(s) onto the inner tie rod(s).

7. NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while installing the nut.

   Connect the outer tie-rod end(s) to the wheel knuckle(s) and install the nut(s).
   • Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

8. Tighten the tie-rod jam nut(s) to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).

9. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to Section 204-00 .