Tie Rod Boot: Service and Repair
Steering Tie-Rod End Ball Joint Boot Replacement
Removal
1. Vehicle Lift
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift, and make sure it is securely supported.
2. Front Wheel
1. Remove the front wheel.
3. Ball Joint - Removal
NOTICE:
Always use a ball joint remover to disconnect a ball joint. Do not strike the housing or any other part of the ball joint connection to disconnect it.
1. Install a hex nut (A) or the ball joint thread protector.
NOTE: When using a hex nut, make sure the nut is flush with the ball joint pin end to prevent damage to the threaded end of the ball joint pin.
2. Apply grease to the ball joint remover on the areas shown (A).
3. Install the ball joint remover as shown.
NOTE:
* Fasten the safety chain (A) securely to a suspension arm or the subframe (B).
* Making sure not to damage the ball joint boot.
4. Tighten the pressure bolt until the ball joint pin pops loose from the ball joint connecting hole.
NOTE: Do not use pneumatic or electric tools on the pressure bolt.
5. Remove the ball joint remover.
6. Remove the hex nut or the ball joint thread protector.
7. Pull the ball joint out of the ball joint connecting hole.
4. Tie-Rod End Ball Joint - Disconnection
1. Remove the cotter pin (A).
2. Remove the nut (B).
3. Disconnect the tie-rod end ball joint.
5. Tie-Rod End Ball Joint Boot
1. Remove the ball joint boot (A) from the tie-rod end, and wipe the old grease off the ball pin.
Installation
1. Tie-Rod End Ball Joint Boot
1. Pack the lower area of the ball pin (A) with fresh multipurpose grease.
2. Pack the interior of the new ball joint boot (B) and the lip (C) with fresh multipurpose grease.
Note these items when installing new grease:
* Keep grease off the boot mounting area (D) and the tapered section (E) of the ball pin.
* Do not allow dust, dirt, or other foreign materials to enter the boot.
3. Install the ball joint boot (A) using the bearing driver attachment.
4. The ball joint boot must not have a gap at the ball joint boot installation sections (B).
5. After installing the ball joint boot, check the ball pin tapered section for grease contamination.
6. Wipe the ball pin tapered section if necessary.
2. Tie-Rod End Ball Joint - Reconnection
1. Connect the tie-rod end ball joint.
2. Install the nut (A).
3. Install the cotter pin (B) as shown.
3. Front Wheel
1. Install the front wheel.
NOTE: Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
4. Pre-Alignment Checks
For proper inspection and adjustment of the wheel alignment, do these checks:
1. Release the parking brake to avoid an incorrect measurement.
2. Make sure the suspension is not modified.
3. Make sure the fuel tank is full, and that the spare tire, the jack, and the tools are in place on the vehicle.
4. Check the tire size and tire pressure according to tire information.
5. Caster - Inspection
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Check the caster angle.
* If the measurement is within specifications, measure the front camber angle.
* If the measurement is not within specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
6. Camber - Inspection
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Check the camber angle.
* If the measurement is within specification, measure the toe-in.
* If the measurement for the front camber is not within the specification, go to front camber adjustment.
* If the measurement for the rear camber is not within the specification, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
7. Front Toe - Inspection
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Set the steering column to the middle tilt position and telescopic positions.
2. Center the steering wheel spokes, and install a steering wheel holder tool.
3. Check the toe with the wheels pointed straight ahead.
Front toe-in: 0±2 mm (0±0.08 in)
* If adjustment is required, go to the front toe adjustment.
* If no adjustment is required, remove the alignment equipment.
8. Turning Angle - Inspection
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Turn the wheel right and left while applying the brake, and measure the turning angle of both wheels.
2. If the measurement is not within the specifications, even up both sides of the tie-rod threaded section length while adjusting the front toe.
3. If it is correct, but the turning angle is not within the specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
9. HDS DLC - Connection
1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle. If it does not communicate, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting.
10. VSA Sensor Neutral Position - Memorization
1. Park the vehicle on a flat and level surface, with the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.
2. Select VSA ADJUSTMENT, then select ALL SENSORS with the HDS, and follow the screen prompts.
NOTE: See the HDS Help menu for specific instructions.
11. Steering Angle Sensor Neutral Position - Clear
1. Select EPS ADJUSTMENT, then select EPS STEERING ANGLE SENSOR VALUE CLEAR and follow the screen prompts on the HDS.
NOTE: See the HDS Help menu for specific instructions.