Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement Standard

Important: After removing the steering gear boot, inspect the steering linkage 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.

1. Remove the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle .




Notice: Do not change the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. Changing the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod could result in damage to the pinion and the steering gear.

Notice: The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear.

2. Place a pipe wrench on the flats on the steering gear rack (1) next to the steering linkage inner tie rod (2).
3. Place a wrench on the flats of the steering linkage inner tie rod (2).
4. Rotate the steering linkage inner tie rod (2) counterclockwise, while holding the steering gear rack stationary, until the steering linkage inner tie rod separates from the steering gear rack (1).

Important: All threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check the LOCTITE®, or equivalent, container for the expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat the threads.

1. Apply LOCTITE® 262, or equivalent, to the steering gear inner tie rod threads.
2. Attach the steering linkage inner tie rod onto the steering gear rack.



3. Place a pipe wrench on the flats on the steering gear rack (1) next to the steering linkage inner tie rod (2).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

4. Tighten the steering linkage inner tie rod (2).

Tighten
Tighten the steering linkage inner tie rod to 150 N·m (111 lb ft).

5. Install the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle .

Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement Two Mode Hybrid

Special Tools

CH-49009 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Important: After removing the steering gear boot, inspect the steering linkage 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.

Important: The appropriate flats on the steering gear rack are only present on the driver side of the vehicle. If the passenger side steering linkage inner tie rod must be replaced then the steering gear boot must be removed from the driver's side as well in order to hold the steering gear rack from rotating. Replacing the passenger side steering linkage inner tie rod will require two people, one to hold the steering gear rack and one to install the steering linkage inner tie rod.

1. Remove the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle.



2. Disengage the steering linkage inner tie rod washer (1) from the steering linkage inner tie rod.




Notice: Do not change the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. Changing the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod could result in damage to the pinion and the steering gear.

3. Rotate the steering linkage inner tie rod (2) counterclockwise while holding the steering gear rack stationary until the steering linkage inner tie rod separates from the steering gear rack (1).

Important: Note the direction the steering linkage inner tie rod washer is installed. This will be important when installing the new washer.

4. Discard the steering linkage inner tie rod washer.

Important: Install the new steering linkage inner tie rod washer in the same direction as noted previously.

1. Install the new steering linkage inner tie rod washer on the steering gear rack.

Important: All threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check the LOCTITE®, or equivalent, container for the expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat the threads.

2. Apply LOCTITE® 262 or equivalent to the steering linkage inner tie rod threads.
3. Attach the steering linkage inner tie rod to the steering gear rack and hand tighten it.



4. Tighten the steering linkage inner tie rod using wrench CH-49009 .

Tighten
Tighten the steering linkage inner tie rod to 145 N·m (107 lb ft).




5. Align the new steering linkage inner tie rod washer (1) to the flats on the steering linkage inner tie rod and bend the tabs over the flats.

Important: The appropriate grease must be applied to the small end of the steering gear boot before installation.

6. Install the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle.