TIE-ROD END INSPECTION

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION.)

2. Remove the front under cover. (See FRONT UNDER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

3. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear and linkage. (See INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

4. Remove the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

5. Remove the tie-rod end from the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE DISASSEMBLY.)

6. Inspect the tie-rod end for damage and the boot of the tie-rod end for cracks.

• If there is any malfunction, replace the tie-rod end. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY.)

7. Inspect the tie-rod end for excessive play.

• If there is any malfunction, replace the tie-rod end. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY.)

8. Rotate the tie-rod end 5 times.

9. Install 2 nuts to the tie-rod end and measure the rotational torque of the tie-rod end using a torque wrench.

Tie-rod end rotational torque

• 0.5—3.0 N·m {5.1—30 kgf·cm, 4.5—26 in·lbf}

• If not within the specification, replace the tie-rod end. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY.)