Special Tools

J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Caution: 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.

1. Remove the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.

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.

2. Remove the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle.
3. Place the steering gear in a vise.



4. Slide the steering gear shock dampener (4) back from the steering gear inner tie rod (6).

Caution: Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Caution in the Preface section.

5. Place a pipe wrench on the steering gear rack (5) next to the steering gear inner tie rod housing (6).
6. Place a wrench on the flats of the steering gear inner tie rod housing (6).
7. Rotate the steering gear inner tie rod housing (6) counterclockwise, while holding the steering gear rack stationary, until the steering gear inner tie rod separates from it.



8. If female steering gear rack (1) and a male steering gear inner tie rod (3), remove the old LOCTITE® from the threads (2) of the steering gear inner tie rod and steering gear rack.

If male steering gear rack (5) and female steering gear inner tie rod (4), the LOCTITE® will not be present.

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

1. If the steering gear has a female steering gear rack (3) and a male steering gear inner tie rod (2) then apply LOCTITE® 262 or equivalent to the steering gear inner tie rod threads.
2. If the steering gear has a male steering gear rack (3) and a female steering gear inner tie rod (2) then do not apply any LOCTITE®.



3. Hand start the steering gear inner tie rod (2) onto the steering gear rack (3).

Caution: Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Caution in the Preface section.

4. Place a pipe wrench on the steering gear rack (3) next to the steering gear inner tie rod housing (2).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

5. Place a torque wrench and wrench J 34028 on the flats of the steering gear inner tie rod housing (2).

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




6. Place the steering gear inner tie (2) in a vise.

Note: If the steering gear has a female steering gear rack (1) and a male steering gear inner tie rod (2) do not stake anything. If the steering gear has a male steering gear rack (1) and a female steering gear inner tie rod (2) then the steering gear inner tie rod must be staked.

7. Stake both sides of the female steering gear inner tie rod housing to the male steering gear rack.



8. Insert a 0.25 mm gage (1) between the steering gear rack (2) and the steering gear inner tie rod housing in order to check both stakes. The feeler gage (1) must not pass between the steering gear rack and the steering gear inner tie rod housing stake.



9. Slide the steering gear shock dampener (2) in place over the steering gear inner tie rod housing (3).
10. Install the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle.
11. Install the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.