Diagnosis And Testing

Tie rod free-play can be measured using the following method:

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
2. If necessary, remove the front wheel and install two standard wheel mounting nuts, flat side to rotor, diagonally opposite to each on the rotor.
   NOTE:

   At curb height, verify the tie rod is straight (90°) in relation to the knuckle. There is a misalignment pin inside the linkage tube that contains this and prevents ball joint misalignment during toe set. If misalignment is noted, verify the alignment pin is intact, replace the linkage as necessary.

3. Attach a magnetic dial indicator to the inside or outside of the brake rotor, then align the dial indicator's contact pointer with the direction of the stud axis and touch the outer tie rod.
4. Zero the dial indicator.
   NOTE:

   When checking free-play DO NOT  expect the tie rod to rotate it's about access. The tie rod assembly is constrained at one end by a reverse pin. (Passenger side linkage ball joints are slotted and not oval).

5. Grasp the outer tie rod near the ball stud and attempt to move the tie rod straight up and down using light hand pressure (less than 10 lbs. of force).
   NOTE:

   Due to the pin feature, if the tie rod or drag link are rocked fore and aft, there will be a noise as the stud contacts the pin feature, this is normal and is not indicative of a failed part.

6. Measure and record any tie rod free-play movement.
7. Remove the magnetic dial indicator.
8. Remove the standard wheel mounting nuts from the two studs.
9. If the free-play in the tie rod exceeds 1.15 mm (.045 in.), replace the tie rod end. Refer to END, TIE ROD, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
10. Install the wheel. Refer to: TIRE AND WHEEL, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
11. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
    NOTE:

    All four ball joints can be checked with the same procedure. One at the pitman arm, two at the passenger side knuckle, and one at the driver side knuckle.