Special Tools

J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

Note: After removing the boot, inspect the inner tie rod for evidence of corrosion or contamination. If none is evident, continue with the repair. If corrosion or contamination is evident, replace the steering gear.

3. Remove the rack and pinion boot. Refer to Rack and Pinion Boot Replacement.

Caution: Do not change the rack bearing preload adjustment before removing the inner tie rod from the steering rack. This could cause damage to the pinion or the steering rack or both.

4. Remove the shock dampener (2) from the inner tie rod (5).
5. Slide the shock dampener (2) back onto the rack (1).

Note: Do not hold the steering rack while removing the inner tie rod if the preload adjustment has not been changed.

6. Remove the inner tie rod (5) from the rack assembly (1) as follows:

•	Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (4)

•	Rotate the inner tie rod housing (4) counterclockwise until the inner tie rod (5) separates from the rack.




7. Remove the old LOCTITE® from the threads (2) of the rack (1) and the inner tie rod (3).

Note: Make sure the shock dampener is on the rack before installing the inner tie rod.

The threads must be clean prior to the LOCTITE® application. Check the LOCTITE® (or equivalent) container for expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat the threads.



1. Apply LOCTITE® 262 (or equivalent) to the inner tie rod threads (2).
2. Install the inner tie rod (3) to the rack and pinion (1).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




3. Install a torque wrench (5) to the J 34028 to tighten the inner tie rod.

Hold the rack (3) while tightening the tie rod (4) as shown.

Tighten the inner tie rod (6) to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).




4. Slide the shock dampener (2) over the inner tie rod housing (3) until the front lip of the shock dampener bottoms out against the inner tie rod housing.
5. Install the rack and pinion boot. Refer to Rack and Pinion Boot Replacement.
6. Install the tire and wheel assembly to the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
7. Remove the safety stands.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.