Tie rod end replacement

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Introduction

Yet another source of poor steering on a Jimny is a worn tie rod / track rod end.

These are a simple job to change, although you should then get the alignment checked/set afterwards.

Diagnostics

Figure 01 - checking a tie rod end

• First, find out which one is worn.
• Jack up the vehicle on the side you want to check and make sure the vehicle is secured.
• Place your hand carefully and lightly over the joint and with a firm grip on the steering rod.
• Try and shake the steering rod around in all directions.
• If you can feel a shift or mechanical click/movement in the joint, then it is worn.

Removal

Step 1

Figure 02 - splitting the joint

• Once you have confirmed that there is a problem, the task of stripping is actually quite easy.
• First remove the wheel, it gives you more room.
• Now use a splitter to break the joint open.
• Here I am using a puller.
• I have undone the tie rod end nut but NOT removed it fully.
• I have put the end of the puller inside the “dish” created by the loose nut on the end of the joint.
• I then put the puller feet into the gap between the rubber and the control arm that the joint attaches to.

Step 2

Figure 03 - removing a tie rod end

• The joint should then split with a bang.
• Now you have to remove the joint.
• The trick here is to unscrew the joint without disturbing the locking nut position.
• The locking nut position is what sets the alignment of the steering.
• It is best to try and not disturb it too much so that the alignment is not too far out.
• The joints can rust in and can be very difficult to undo.
• However, I was lucky and it was possible to wind the joint off the rod without touching the locking nut.
• Note that in the picture the locking nut appears to be part of the tracking rod itself as it is corroded on.
• The nut is in fact separate and may need undoing half a turn to allow the joint to be unwound.

Step 3

Figure 04 - marking the nut

• With the tie rod removed, put a mark on the locking nut and then remove the nut, counting the whole turns it takes to come off.

Installation

Step 1

Figure 05 - nut wound onto new joint

• Now count the same number of turns as you wind the nut onto the new joint.

Step 2

Figure 06 - tightening the joint

• Wind the whole joint onto the rod and re-assemble.
• You will probably find that when tightening the top nut on the joint, the whole assembly simply turns.
• You need to put some pressure on the joint to stop it rotating whilst you are tightening it.
• Here I have placed a jack underneath the joint and jacked up the joint slightly.

Step 3

Now tighten up the locking nut, replace the wheel and you are finished.

Aftermath

You should get the alignment checked and adjusted in a professional work station as soon as you can.

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Page last edited on 17/01/2021 by user Bosanek