Steering Linkage

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Tie Rod Ends

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Remove the front wheels.
2. Working at the steering knuckle arm, pull out the cotter pin and then loosen the nut to the tie rod.

   NOTE: Always discard used cotter pins.

   Fig. 1: Remove the cotter pin and discard it

   Fig. 2: Loosen the nut on the tie rod end where the steering knuckle meets

3. Using a tie rod end puller, disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle arm.
4. Mark the position of the tie rod threads.

   Fig. 3: Always matchmark the tie rod end threads prior to removal

   Fig. 4: Place a puller between the knuckle and end . . .

   Fig. 5: . . . the end should pop out with ease

5. Loosen the locknut for the tie rod. Turn the tie rod in the opposite direction of the lock nut until it is removed from steering rack.

   Fig. 6: Loosen the locknut from the toe rod

   NOTE: When removing the tie rods, count the amount of turns needed to remove the tie rod. This will help with getting the steering alignment close when installing the tie rod.

   Fig. 7: Now pull the end off the steering rack

   To install:

   Fig. 8: Each tie rod is marked with an L or R for left and right

6. Install the tie rod end.
7. Install the tie rod the same amount of turns that were needed to remove the tie rod.
8. Tighten the tie rod end to steering knuckle nut to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm). Install a new cotter pin.

   NOTE: If the hole on the tie rod does not line up with the nut, always tighten the nut until the hole lines up.

9. Install the front wheels and lower the vehicle. Check the front end alignment.
10. Tighten the tie rod locknut to 67 ft. lb (91 Nm).
11. Check steering wheel center point and front end alignment. Adjust the alignment as needed.