Page E-10
FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Repair and Service Manual
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to all Notes, Cautions and Warnings.
B
To install new rack ball joint close to its correct position,
measure amount of threads exposed from jam nut (Ref.
Fig. 12 on Page E-10).
Fig. 12 Rack Ball Joint Installation
Loosen jam nut (4) and remove rack ball joint from rack
extension (5).
Using measurement made earlier, thread jam nut and
new rack ball joint to previous location on rack extension
and set jam nut hand tight.
Attach rack ball joint to spindle arm. Tighten castellated
nut (3) to 36 ft. lbs. (50 Nm) torque and continue to
tighten as needed to insert new cotter pin (2). Maximum
torque is 50 ft. lbs. (70 Nm).
After replacing or servicing steering components, always
verify that an 1/8" gap exists between large hex of rack
extension and rack and pinion unit when steering is
turned fully to the right forcing passenger spindle arm
against front axle (Ref. Fig. 19 on Page E-15).
Check for proper rack extension-to-rack and pinion unit
clearance before tightening jam nut (4) to 35 - 45 ft. lbs.
(47 - 61 Nm) torque. “Checking/Adjusting Rack Exten-
sion-to-Rack and Pinion Unit Clearance” on Page E-14)
Install passenger side front wheel per WHEELS AND
TIRES section and lower vehicle per SAFETY section.
Check front wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
“Wheel Alignment” on Page E-3)
Tie Rod Inspection/Replacement
Tool List
Qty. Required
Tape measure ..............................................................1
Wrench, 3/4" ................................................................1
Wrench, 9/16" ..............................................................1
Needle nose pliers .......................................................1
Wrench, 11/16".............................................................1
Ball joint separator .......................................................1
Plastic faced hammer ..................................................1
Socket, 11/16", 1/2" drive.............................................1
Torque wrench, 1/2" drive, ft. lbs..................................1
Crowfoot socket, 3/4", 1/2" drive..................................1
Grasp the tie rod (8) at ball joints (6) and check for any
vertical motion which would indicate a worn condition
and require replacement (Ref. Fig. 11 on Page E-9).
To remove tie rod, loosen wheel(s) and lift and support
front of vehicle per SAFETY section.
Remove front wheel.
To install new tie rod ball joint close to its correct posi-
tion, measure distance to center of ball joint from jam nut
(Ref. Fig. 13 on Page E-10).
Fig. 13 Tie Rod Replacement
Loosen jam nut (7) at threaded tube (8).
To hold threaded tube while loosening jam nut, use a wrench
on the center, flat section of tube (Ref. Fig. 11 on Page E-9).
The tie rod has different threads on each end. The end
with
the groove in the threaded tube has left hand threads (clock-
wise to loosen) while the end
without
the groove has conven-
tional right hand threads (counter-clockwise to loosen) (Ref.
Fig. 13 on Page E-10).
Measure exposed thread length
and use length to position new
ball joint at same location
Measure distance from center of
ball joint to jam nut and use length
to position new ball joint at same
location
