Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Rack End Removal and Installation

Removal

NOTE: Do not allow dust, dirt, or other foreign materials to enter the steering gearbox.

1. Remove the boot bands (A) and discard them. Remove the tie-rod clips (B), and pull the boots away from the ends of the steering gearbox.

2. Unbend the lock washer (A).

3. Hold the flat surfaces sections (A) of the steering rack (B) with one wrench, and unscrew both rack ends (C) with another wrench. Be careful not to damage the rack surface with the wrench.

4. Remove the lock washer (D) and rubber stop (E).

Installation

1. Install the new rubber stop (A) and the new lock washer (B) on the rack shaft. Align the lock washer tabs (C) with the slots (D) on the rack end (E) while holding the lock washer in place. Repeat this step for the other side of the rack shaft.

2. Hold the flat surface sections of the steering rack with one wrench, and tighten both rack ends with another wrench. Be careful not to damage the rack surface with the wrench.
3. Bend the lock washer (A), back against the flat spots (B) on the rack end ball joint housing.

4. Apply multipurpose grease to the circumference of the rack end joint housing (A) and lock washer.

5. Apply a light coat of silicone grease (P/N 08798-9013) to the boot fitting grooves (B) on the rack ends.
6. Center the steering rack within its stroke.
7. Clean off any grease or contamination from the boot installation grooves (A) around the gearbox housing. Install the boots (B) on the rack ends with the tie rod clips (C), and fit the boot end in the installation grooves in the housing properly.

8. After installing the boots, wipe the grease off the thread section (D) of the rack end.
9. Install the new boot bands by aligning the tabs (A) with the holes (B) of the band.

10. Close the ear portion (A) of the band with a commercially available, Oetiker 1098 pincers or equivalent (B).

11. Slide the rack shaft right and left to be certain that the boots are not deformed or twisted.