Important: Always replace damaged or broken steering linkage components. Do not weld damaged or broken steering linkage components.

There are two tie rod assemblies. Each assembly is made up of five pieces consisting of the following items:

The right and the left hand threads are used for toe-in adjustments and steering gear centering. The tie rod ends are threaded into the sleeve and secured with the clamps. For lubrication of the tie rod ends, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.

Notice: Before any service is performed, note the position of the tie rod adjuster tube and the direction from which the bolts are installed.

1. Replace the tie rod ends when excessive up-and-down motion is present or when excessive end play or loss of motion at the ball stud exists.
2. Inspect the tie rod adjuster tube components because these components may be rusted and need to be replaced.

If the torque required to remove the nut from the bolt exceeds 9 N·m (80 lb in), replace the nut and the bolt.

3. Apply penetrating oil between the clamps and the tube and rotate the clamps until the clamps move freely.
4. Install all the parts with the correct part number.
5. Install all of the parts in the proper position.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Allow the front wheels to rotate freely and the steering mechanism freedom to turn.

Important: On S4WD (K Model) vehicles, remove the front differential carrier shield in order to access the idler arm and the steering linkage. Refer to Shield Replacement in Transfer Case.

2. Position the wheels in the straight ahead position.




Important: 

•	Jerking the right wheel and the tire assembly back and forth, causing an up and down movement of the idler arm, is NOT an acceptable procedure. There is no control on the amount of force being applied to the idler arm, which will result in inaccurate test results.

•	Whenever shimmy complaints are reported, make a careful diagnosis. The shimmying could be caused by loose idler arms. However, before inspecting the suspension or the steering components, technicians should consider the other following possible causes:

•	Dynamic imbalance

•

Runout

•	Force variation of wheel and tire assemblies

•	Road surface irregularities

Refer to Vehicle Leads/Pulls in Suspension General Diagnosis.
3. Place a spring scale near the relay rod end of the idler arm. Exert a 110 N (25 lb) force upward and then downward while measuring the total distance the arm moves. The total allowable movement is 2.0 mm (0.08 in). Replace the idler arm if the distance exceeds the allowable movement.