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Steering Linkage

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Tie Rod Ends

Fig. 1: Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end . . .

Fig. 2: . . . then remove the retaining nut from the tie rod end

Fig. 3: A special puller is recommended for removing the tie rod end from the steering knuckle without damaging the tie rod end

Fig. 4: Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle

Fig. 5: Mark the outer tie rod jam nut on one side with a reference line for installation

Fig. 6: Use two wrenches, one to hold the inner tie rod, and one to loosen the jam nut

Fig. 7: Back the jam nut off ONE TURN ONLY . . .

Fig. 8: . . . then unthread the tie rod end from the inner tie rod

Fig. 9: Remove the tie rod end from the vehicle

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
  3. Remove the cotter pin and the castellated nut from the outer tie rod end. Discard the cotter pin.
  4. Separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle using an appropriate tie rod end remover.
  5. Mark the outer tie rod jam nut on one side with a reference line for installation.
  6. Hold the outer tie rod end with a wrench and loosen the tie rod end jam nut.
  7. Back the tie rod end jam nut off ONE FULL TURN ONLY.
  8. Remove the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod spindle.

    To install:

  9. Clean the threads on the inner tie rod spindle (front wheel spindle connecting rod).
  10. Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod until it bottoms on the jam nut.
  11. Back the tie rod and jam nut out one full turn until the reference line is in the same position as before.
  12. Place the outer tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle. Set the front wheels in a straight ahead position.
  13. Connect the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle and install the castle nut. Tighten the nut to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm) on Mirage models and 21 ft. lbs. (29 Nm) on the Galant and Diamante models.
  14. Continue to tighten the castellated nut until a new cotter pin can be inserted through the hole in the stud. Install a new cotter pin.
  15. If required, repeat the procedure for the opposite side.
  16. Reinstall the wheel and tire assembly. Tighten the lug nuts to 65–80 ft. lbs. (90–110 Nm).
  17. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
  18. Tighten the tie rod end jam nut to 30 ft. lbs. (42 Nm) on Mirage and 36–39 ft. lbs. (49–53 Nm) on Galant and Diamante models.
  19. Have the front end alignment checked, and adjusted if necessary.
Inner Tie Rods
  1. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jackstands.
  2. Remove the wheel.
  3. Remove the cotter pin and the outer tie rod ball joint stud nut. Note the position of the steering linkage.
  4. Wire brush the threads on the tie rod shaft and lubricate with penetrating oil.
  5. Using a suitable ball joint separator tool, remove the tie rod ball joint from the steering knuckle.
  6. Loosen the locknut and remove the tie rod end from the tie rod. Count the number of complete turns it takes to completely remove it.
  7. Remove the tie rod-to-steering gear locknut.
  8. Remove the clamps that secure the flexible boot to the steering gear.
  9. Slide the boot from the inner tie rod and remove the boot.
  10. Bend the lock plate tabs from the inner tie rod end nut.
  11. Loosen the inner tie rod end nut from the steering gear and remove the inner tie rod end.

    To install:

  12. Using a new lock plate, install the tie rod end and tighten the tie rod to 65 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
  13. Bend the tabs of the new lock plate to secure the inner tie rod end.
  14. Slide the boot onto the steering gear and secure it with new clamps.
  15. Install the outer tie rod end to the steering gear locknut.
  16. Install the outer tie rod end, turning it in exactly as many turns as it was to remove the old one. Make sure it is correctly positioned in relationship to the steering linkage.
  17. Connect the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle and install the castle nut. Tighten the nut to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm.) on the Mirage and 21 ft. lbs. (29 Nm) on the Galant and Diamante models.
  18. Install a new cotter pin to the castle nut.
  19. Tighten the tie rod end locking nut to 30 ft. lbs. (42 Nm) on the Mirage and 36–39 ft. lbs. (49–53 Nm) on the Galant and Diamante models.
  20. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
  21. Lower the vehicle.
  22. Have a front end alignment performed.

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