Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Tie-rod Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required
Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL00200

NOTE: Bolts and nuts with the (star) mark are special corrosion-resistant Dacro fasteners. Use the same type if replacement is necessary.

Removal
1. Write down the frequencies for the radio preset buttons. Remove the battery.
2. Raise the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.





3. Remove the battery box (A) and front damper base beam (B).





4. Unbend the locking tabs (A) on the stop plate (B).
5. Separate the tie-rods (C) from gearbox by removing the 12 mm bolts (D), stop plate, tie-rod plate (E), and seal washers (F).





6. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the 10 mm nut (B), and loosen the nut.
7. Separate the tie-rod ball joint and damper using the special tool.
8. Remove the tie-rods.

Installation

Note: There are two types of the tie-rod arm; one for left side and the other for the right side. Do not interchange them. The left tie-rod arm is marked with L and the right one is marked with R for identification.





1. Wipe off any grease contamination from the ball joint tapered section and threads. Then reconnect tie-rod (A) to the dampers. Install the 10 mm nut (B) and tighten it.
2. Install the new cotter pin (C), and bend it as shown.





3. Install the 12 mm bolts (A), new stop plate (B), tie-rod plate (C) and new seal washers (D) by aligning the steering rack bolt hole and tie-rod bolt hole.





4. Tighten the 12 mm bolts, and bend the stop plate lock tabs (A).

NOTE: If, after tightening the 12 mm bolts, the flats of the bolt heads (B) do not align with the lock tabs, continue tightening the bolt unit the bolt head aligns with one of the lock tabs. Do not exceed the torque value of 108 Nm (11.0 kgf-m, 79.6 ft. lbs.).





5. Perform the following after installation.
^ Check whether the arrow (A) on the tie-rod arm (B) aligns with the center of the alignment mark (C) located at the tie-rod end (D) by viewing the tie-rod in the axial direction from the wheelhouse.
^ Perform the front toe inspection.
^ Check the steering wheel spoke angle. Adjust by turning the right and left tie-rod adjuster bolts equally, if necessary.
^ Reset the radio presets.
^ Set the clock.
^ Do the ECM idle learn procedure.
6. Remove the No. 15 EPS (40 A) fuse from the underhood fuse/relay box.
7. If the IMA battery level gauge (BAT) displays no segments, start the engine, and hold it between 3,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm without load (in Park or neutral) until the BAT displays at least three segments.
8. Reinstall the No. 15 EPS (40 A) fuse.