- Install new boot clamp onto steering gear boot at steering gear housing end.
- Apply grease in service kit to locations shown in illustration prior to boot installation. This grease provides a water barrier and must be used to protect internal gear components from corrosion.
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- Install boot onto inner tie rod assembly. Slide boot along rod assembly until large end of boot is seated in steering gear housing groove.
- Using Clamp Pliers SA9164C, crimp clamp on housing end of boot.
- Install clamp on inner tie rod end of boot.
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- Install inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam nut.
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- Thread outer tie rod onto inner tie rod.
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NOTE:
The tie rod ends must be thoroughly cleaned before installing and tightening.
- Install tie rod end into steering knuckle.
- Using Steering Linkage Installer J44015 (or equivalent) seat the tie rod end into the knuckle and tighten. Tighten tie rod end linkage installer to 45 N.m (33 ft lbs).
CAUTION:
Use a new nut. Torque retention of old nut may not be sufficient.
- Remove linkage installer and install new tie rod end nut and tighten. Tighten tie rod end-to-steering knuckle nut to 60 N.m (44 ft lbs).
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- Hand tighten inner tie rod-to-outer tie rod jam nut.
NOTE:
Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors. Failure to do so can cause wheel bolts to loosen in service.
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- Install wheel and tire assemblies.
- Install wheel bolts and tighten in a crisscross pattern.
- Hand tighten all five wheel bolts.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten wheel bolts using a crisscross pattern. Tighten wheel bolts (initial torque) to 63 N.m (46 ft lbs).
- Use a torque wrench to final tighten wheel bolts using a crisscross pattern. Tighten wheel bolts (final torque) to 125 N.m (92 ft lbs).
- Set toe. (Refer to ALIGNMENT, WHEELS & TIRES
.)
- Lower vehicle from hoist.