Tools Required

J 22610 Keystone Clamp Pliers

1. Remove the rack and pinion outer tie rod end. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .




Important: Mark the location of the rack and pinion inner tie rod nut before removing it.

2. Remove the rack and pinion inner tie rod nut (2) from the rack and pinion inner tie rod (1).



3. Remove the outer steering gear boot clamp (2) from the steering gear boot (1) and discard it.



4. Remove the inner steering gear boot clamp (1) from the steering gear boot (3) and discard it.




Important: 

•	Prior to removing the steering gear boot breather tube or the steering gear boot, mark the location of the breather tube on the steering gear.

•	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.

5. Remove the steering gear boot (1) from the steering gear.

1. Prior to installing the steering gear boot, apply grease to the rack and pinion inner tie rod (2) and the steering gear (1) and place the inner steering gear boot clamp loosely on the steering gear boot.
2. Install the steering gear boot (3) onto the rack and pinion inner tie rod (2).
3. Install the steering gear boot breather tube while aligning the it with the mark made during removal and the molded nipple of the steering gear boot.

Important: The steering gear boot (3) must not be twisted, puckered, or out of shape in any way. If the steering gear boot (3) is not shaped properly, adjust it by hand before installing the steering gear boot clamps.

4. Move the steering gear boot onto the steering gear (1) until it is seated securely in the steering gear assembly groove.



5. Crimp the new inner steering gear boot clamp (1) using pliers J 22610 .



6. Install the new outer steering gear boot clamp (2) onto the steering gear boot (1).




Important: Place the rack and pinion inner tie rod nut at the location mark made before removing.

7. Install the rack and pinion inner tie rod nut (2) to the rack and pinion inner tie rod (1).
8. Install the rack and pinion outer tie rod end. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
9. Tighten the rack and pinion inner tie rod nut tight against the rack and pinion outer tie rod end.
10. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment .