Tie-rods and balljoints - removal and refitting

Suspension and steering / Tie-rods and balljoints - removal and refitting

Removal
1 If the steering tie-rod and balljoints are worn, play will be evident as the roadwheel is rocked from side to side, and the balljoint must then be renewed. On RHD models the left-hand tie-rod is adjustable and the balljoint on this tie-rod can be renewed separately, however the right-hand tie-rod must be renewed complete. On LHD models the tierods are vice versa.

2 If the complete tie-rod is to be removed unscrew the centre bolt preferably with the weight of the car on the wheels otherwise the rubber bush may be damaged (see illustration).

l9.2 Steering tie-rod centre bolts

3 Jack up the front of the car and support on axle stands (see “Jacking and vehicle support”). Apply the handbrake and remove the front wheel(s).

4 Unscrew the balljoint nut then use a balljoint separator tool to release the joint from the strut (see illustrations).

19.4a Unscrew the nut . . .

19.4b . . . then use a balljoint separator tool . . .

19.4c . . . to release the tie-rod

5 Withdraw the tie-rod or, if removing only the tie-rod end, loosen the locknut and unscrew the tie-rod end.

Refitting
6 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but tighten the nuts to the specified torque and check the front wheel alignment (refer to Section 20).