1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tire and Wheels
3. Remove the outer tie rod end from the vehicle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .



4. To remove the rack and pinion boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot and Breather Tube Replacement - Off Vehicle .
5. Slide the shock dampener (2) back on the rack (1).
6. Remove the shock dampener (2) from the inner tie rod assembly (5).
7. Remove the inner tie rod assembly (5) from the rack assembly (1) as follows:

7.1.	Place a wrench on flats of rack assembly (3).

7.2.	Place another wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (4).

7.3.	Rotate the inner tie rod housing (4) counterclockwise until the inner tie rod (5) separates from the rack (1).

Tools Required

J 22610 Service Boot Clamp Installer

1. Install the new boot clamp (1) onto the rack and pinion boot (3).



2. Prior to boot installation, apply grease to the inner tie rod assembly (2) and the rack and pinion gear assembly (1).
3. Install the rack and pinion boot (3) onto the inner tie rod assembly.
4. Align the breather tube with the mark made during removal and the molded nipple of the rack and pinion boot.
5. Install the rack and pinion boot (3) onto the gear assembly until the rack and pinion boot (3) is seated in the gear assembly groove.

Important: The rack and pinion boot (3) must not be twisted, puckered or out of shape in any way. If the rack and pinion boot (3) is not shaped properly, adjust the rack and pinion boot (3) by hand before installing the boot clamp.

6. Install the rack and pinion boot (3) onto the inner tie rod assembly (2).



7. Install the boot clamp (2) on the boot (1) with J 22610 .
8. Crimp the boot clamp (2).
9. Pinch the pliers together on the rack and pinion boot (1) in order to install the tie rod end clamp.



10. Install the hex jam nut (2) to the inner tie rod assembly (1).
11. Install the rack and pinion boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot and Breather Tube Replacement - Off Vehicle .
12. Install the outer tie rod end to the vehicle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tire and Wheels
14. Perform a front end alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment